‘Our loved ones are not pieces of furniture to be moved around’

FAMILIES of elderly residents in Cherry Orchard Hospital (COH) went to the headquarters of the HSE on Wednesday in an effort to protect their loved ones from “coercion and transfers”, reports Maurice Garvey

Last November, controversial plans were announced to move 68 residents from the elderly Willow and Sycamore units in COH to nursing homes.

The HSE said this was to facilitate urgent flooring repairs in the building.

Families pleaded to keep their loved ones in Cherry Orchard, expressing fears that vulnerable patients, some of whom have dementia and near end of life, might not survive the transition.

Of the 68 residents, 52 were moved out of COH, and 19 have died. Most of the 19 were moved out of Cherry Orchard.

The HSE has said these deaths were due to natural causes.

In a statement in March, the HSE said they had taken account of “every possible scenario to ensure the best interests of the residents, including their clinical needs, safety, and wellbeing.”

On Wednesday, families of the remaining 16 residents at COH handed a letter into the HSE at Dr Steevens Hospital demanding action from CEO Bernard Gloster.

Members of the group made speeches outside the building Maria Stynes, spokesperson for the families said the “gravity of this situation compels us to seek the immediate attention of the CEO.”

Maria’s grandfather John Sweeney is a resident at Cherry Orchard Hospital.

Ballyfermot man John Sweeney (96) was chairman of numerous community associations, a volunteer at local churches, and a father of six from Clifden Road, among many other roles he fulfilled in the area.

“He is a local superstar, and is doing ok, he’s had quite a few infections but he is happy where he is,” said Maria, a Tallaght resident and Ballyfermot native.

“We want them to be kept in the Willow East building where works are completed.”

The families group protest regularly outside COH for the last six months, albeit the protests took a toll on all involved and they have scaled it down to every second Friday at 4pm and Sundays from 11am to 12noon.

Their letter contains three key points: keep remaining residents on site, an investigation into human rights implications of the transfer process, and direct collaboration between Mr Gloster and the families.

“Our loved ones are not pieces of furniture to be moved around, they are human beings with human rights,” said Maria.