Save Cherry Orchard Hospital Protest

04/07/10

Upwards of 20 éirígí activists and supporters attended a protest in Ballyfermot on Thursday [July 1] aimed at preventing the closure of a respite unit in Cherry Orchard Hospital.

The protest was organised by patients and their families, along with local political groups. A crowd of 300 assembled at the Kylemore Roundabout, Ballyfermot at 3pm before making their way up Ballyfermot Road in the summer sunshine to the hospital.

Once at the hospital, the protesters gathered outside the Lauriel Unit, while patients and their families, along with local political representatives, handed a petition against the closure to hospital management.

The crowd then made its way back to the gates of the hospital where the protest was addressed by representatives of patients, families and local councillors.

Addressing the protest, éirígí activist, Dublin City councillor Louise Minihan said: “éirígí organised a meeting between all local political representatives and the HSE last Tuesday evening in an attempt to get answers for the patients and their families. At the meeting, the hospital management informed us that the unit would have to be closed as the employment embargo in public services is preventing 49 staff vacancies being filled. That is just not good enough.

“The same embargo has been lifted to recruit Gardaí and debt collectors for Dublin City Council. Why can’t the embargo be lifted to save essential services at Cherry Orchard?

“The truth is Fianna Fáil could lift the embargo if they so wanted, but they won’t because it doesn’t suit their agenda. Their agenda is the privatisation of our health service, and all public services.”

Minihan continued: “We can beat this closure if we get organised and fight back. This protest is only the beginning. We need to continue to take to the streets in defence of public services and against cutbacks in our communities.

“éirígí is committed to working with others in building a successful campaign which will save services in Cherry Orchard Hospital and ensure that the Dublin government and the HSE put the needs of patients and the community before profit.”