The HSE says a scope of works has been carried out to assess the feasibility of opening additional beds at West Kerry Community Hospital.
The information was provided at the Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District meeting, in response to a letter from elected members.
The councillors had asked for a detailed plan outlining how staffing issues would be addressed going forward at Ospidéal Pobail Corca Dhuibhne.
In it’s letter, the HSE South West advised an examination and review of the feasibility report for additional beds is ongoing.
It noted recruitment strategies for West Kerry Community Hospital are constantly reviewed; however, it has been impacted by staffing challenges, which is heightened by it’s rural location.
The Health Service added that bed capacity at the facility can be affected by the staff shortages; and that short stay beds can be interchangeable depending on the demand in the area at any time.
The HSE advised its goal remains to increase capacity at Ospidéal Pobail Corca Dhuibhne once adequate staffing levels are in place, with all avenues to be explored in relation to this.
Correspondence on behalf of the Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, noted the department had been in touch with the HSE, and are aware that increased capacity at the hospital is dependant on staffing levels.
In response, Fianna Fáil councillor Breandán Fitzgerald requested that once the feasibility study is complete elected members receive the results.
Sinn Féin councillor Robert Brosnan said things are moving along with the hospital, with jobs being advertised.
He urged health care workers looking for positions to apply for these jobs, adding the more applications for the role, the more of a case there is to open module one at the hospital.
