Cherry Orchard Hospital staff have been left "anxious and upset" as two units are set to close for a minimum of a year to facilitate required refurbishment works.

The Sycamore and Willow units house 68 of the hospital's 95 senior patients. In May, HIQA inspected the two units and identified concerns in relation to the flooring which presented a potential health and safety risk.

A review was then carried out which indicated that the flooring has underlying structural issues which require immediate remedial work. Dublin City Councillor Daithi Doolan said he met with staff who feel "very anxious and upset about the closure", adding that residents are set to move to a private residential service in Clondalkin.

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"This will have impact on staff but it will particularly impact vulnerable residents and their families," he added. "Staff who have worked in Cherry Orchard for years will be moved to services in Dublin, Wicklow or Kildare.

"There has been no proper consultation or engagement with staff or families. It is essential that everyone effected is dealt with in a respectful, caring and considerate manner.

"I would urge the HSE to immediately consult with all those affected and ensure all information and alternatives are considered before any finally decision is made."

In a statement to Dublin Live, a spokesperson for the HSE Dublin South, Kildare and West Wicklow Community Healthcare said that ongoing monitoring and risk assessment by the service is currently in place to ensure that there is no immediate hazard to residents.

They added that while plans were considered that would have allowed residents to remain on-site during the completion of works, it was decided to close the units during construction.

"It was agreed that to ensure the health and safety of residents, to minimise disruption to residents during these works, and to comply with the HIQA requirement for a shorter timeline for completion of works in these units, Sycamore and Willow will close for a period for minimum of 12 months to facilitate the works required for regulatory compliance," they said.

"DSKWWCH OPS and COH local management team are currently working in consultation with residents and their families, staff and all other relevant stakeholders to devise an implementation plan for temporary relocation of residents in Sycamore and Willow units, while giving full consideration to health and safety concerns and regulatory compliance.

"We regret that residents will have to be accommodated elsewhere temporarily. The health and safety of our residents is of paramount importance and we will work address the structural issues promptly to ensure HIQA compliance so that the residents can return as soon as possible.

"Further communication from DSKWWCH OPS will issue to all stakeholders as details are finalised."

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