Jimmy Harte (Labour)
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The issue of Lifford community hospital was debated here recently. A report issued by the HSE west last week indicated that Lifford community hospital would close in three months subject to consultation and a review. There will be a meeting tomorrow with Mr. John Hayes of HSE west in Letterkenny to discuss the plan. I was born in Lifford community hospital and some of my family members passed away there over the years. The most recent HIQA report from September 2011 highlights the great care patients are getting in the hospital and how well the hospital is regarded in the community. It also acts as a step-down facility for Letterkenny General Hospital which is approximately 20 minutes away. Mr. Hayes has admitted that this may pose a difficulty. In light of the favourable HIQA report perhaps the Minister might suggest that the hospital be given one year or two years rather than the three months, which would allow patients the time to get used to the fact that it might close down.

My most recent visit to the hospital was before Christmas. Some of the patients regard the hospital as their home. One patient said, "This is my sitting room and this is my fireplace". Most of them would be over 80 and regard it as a home. I accept that if they are moved to St. Joseph's home in Stranorlar they might be cared for as well. However, moving them from what they regard as their home could come as a shock to them. The community in Lifford have raised more than €100,000 to assist the HSE in whatever way possible to improve the facilities in the hospital. While I accept the building is old, the quality of care cannot be overstated.

The report highlighted that the hospital can give better care because the numbers are small. There are 11 long-stay beds and nine respite beds. The fact that the numbers have fallen gives them a better quality of care. I ask the Minister to extend the time from three months to 12 months or perhaps two years before a closure takes place.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I thank Senator Harte for raising this important issue. I apologise that the Minister of State with responsibility for care of the elderly, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, was unable to address the issue. It provides me with an opportunity on her behalf to update the House on the matter and to outline the background to the current situation and the action taken by the Health Service Executive.

The Senator will be aware that the moratorium on recruitment and compliance with national quality standards are impacting on the community hospital system in Donegal. These pressures are mirrored across the country and are well documented. I acknowledge that there is a considerable concern about the future of our community nursing units. There is no doubt that we are facing challenges in this sector owing to staffing and funding issues, and the age and structure of the existing units.

The HSE west service plan for 2012 proposes that a rationalisation of residential facilities be undertaken following extensive consultation with patients and relevant stakeholders regarding Lifford community hospital. Lifford community hospital is one of 11 community hospitals in County Donegal. It was established in 1799. Over the past 12 to 18 months the hospital has reduced its bed capacity from 40 beds to the current 20 beds. The HSE is now considering a proposal to discontinue the inpatient services at Lifford community hospital. This includes 11 long-stay residential beds, five respite-specific beds, one palliative-care bed and three assessment-rehabilitative beds.

The proposal envisages that the physiotherapy department, dental and chiropody clinics located at the hospital will continue to provide services to the local community. Access to the primary care services would remain unchanged. However, prior to any final decision being taken a three-month period of consultation by HSE management will begin on 1 March with all residents, their families and staff. This consultation period will focus on the provision of information on the proposed changes and the options that are available to the residents, and will allow time for them and their families to consider these. Any proposals for the continuation of services or provision of alternative services, whether from the local community or other interested parties will be actively considered as part of the consultation process.

The HIQA acknowledges that the facility's age, layout and structure pose challenges to the delivery of care. It further acknowledges that the reduction in numbers and the clear demarcation of respite and long-stay accommodation has assisted the hospital in meeting the regulations in terms of provision of service to long-stay residents. However, the HSE estimates the cost of future compliance with HIQA standards, SARI guidelines on infection and the national standards for safer better health care is approximately €1.5 million. The capital requirement to upgrade or extend the facility is one factor informing the decision to propose the closure of the facility in 2012. Other factors include the moratorium on recruitment and the cost of care per resident which is now not sustainable in comparison with other units and the private sector.

In addition, there is existing capacity within the local public and private residential facilitates to accommodate the 11 long-term residents in Lifford based on their preference. All developments have to be addressed in the light of the current economic and budgetary pressures and any decisions taken by the HSE must have regard to this and the current moratorium. I trust the House will agree that we need to ensure that the highest standard of care will continue to be provided to all residents in a safe and secure environment. Providing quality and safe care will always remain at the heart of any considerations.

Jimmy Harte (Labour)
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I accept the points the Minister makes, but I have one question. Would the Minister agree-----

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator should bear in mind that the Minister is not the line Minister, for whom he is standing in.

Jimmy Harte (Labour)
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I ask him to bring this to the attention of the Minister of State. Is it feasible that the three-month period could be extended to 12 months in consideration of the patients there?

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I will ask her.

Jimmy Harte (Labour)
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I hope they will not be asked to move within three months although I agree that they would be moving to a modern and well-staffed facility. I believe these people need longer to get used to the idea that closure is taking place. These people are over 85 years of age and to ask them to move within three months is something of a shock at this stage.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I am sure the Minister will take the Senator's points on board.