Anger at ‘sudden’ announcement of crèche closure

PARENTS of children who attend a crèche at Tallaght Hospital have reacted angrily to the sudden announced closure of the facility.

The Small World Crèche has been operating for over 11 years in the hospital but parents claim that the Board of Management at Tallaght Hospital suddenly announced last week that it would close on Friday, August 29.

“Out of the blue, and without consultation, discussion or agreement the Board of Management at Tallaght Hospital advised crèche staff of their intention to close the crèche,

? a statement issued on behalf of the parents reads.

“As working parents in Tallaght Hospital we rely on excellent quality childcare for our children to facilitate our work and provide us with peace of mind.

“In this regard, one of the reasons to assist in this process is the provision of an on site crèche to allow parents to work on campus yet have close proximity to our children.

?

According to parents, over the last 11 years hundreds of families have benefited from the excellent care of the manager and her team.

“Staff and parents have not yet seen a report commissioned by the Board of Management of the hospital despite numerous requests for same,

? the statement adds.

“We have requested an independent review on how to keep the crèche open as it appears these options have not even been considered.

“All parents are willing to consider a revised fee structure, if required, however, this option has not been tabled for discussion.

“Staff and parents are devastated at the potential upset of children for reasons that do not stand up to scrutiny.

?

A spokesperson for the staff at the crèche added that they too were shocked at the sudden news of the hospital’s intention to close the crèche.

“We are disappointed that no alternatives were sought to keep the crèche open to allow us to continue to care for and educate the children,

? a spokesperson for the staff said.

There was nobody at Tallaght Hospital available for comment at time of going to press.