THE Fianna Fáil party in Castlebar has taken a stand to help safeguard the future of the Sacred Heart Hospital in the town.

Members of the organisation staged a picket outside the facility last night (Monday) to highlight the urgent need to restore its full bed capacity as well as appointing a new medical officer.

Conor Smyth, newly-appointed chairman of the local cumann, told The Connaught Telegraph said the downgrading of services at the centre was hitting at the heart of the community and had to be stopped.

He stated: “Our members were strong in the view that some type of public protest was required to halt what is happening.

“We also wanted to display our support to the staff in their sterling efforts to provide the highest level of professional care to their elderly patients despite the cutting of resources.

“The Sacred Heart Hospital has a reputation has a reputation as a centre of excellence and all attempts to undermine its stature have to be resisted.

“From a political perspective, we respect the fact that Deputy Enda Kenny is the Taoiseach of this country and has a lot of demands on his time, both nationally and internationally.

“But he is still the elected TD for Castlebar and certain responsibilities rests on his shoulders in respect of the Sacred Heart Hospital.

“Personally, I believe the issue should be above politics because what it is really about is ensuring our elderly citizens receive the best possible care at all times.

“We cannot understand why the hospital is not being supported to the hilt by our Taoiseach and his government. It beggars belief what is happening.

“We don’t intend to rest until a cast-iron guarantee is given about the future of the centre. It holds a special place in the hearts of all Mayo families and there is no reason for questions marks to be hanging over it.”

Mr. Smyth added he was very encouraged by the support his members received from the public while undertaking the picket.