John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Either way, the HSE is actively working to restore the staffing levels at the Pathways unit. In this regard a process of sourcing staff nurses is underway to address the current staffing deficit. As Deputy Crawford will be aware, the Pathways unit has been playing a key role in providing an intensive rehabilitation service to patients from Cavan and Monaghan who are recovering from an episode of acute illness such as stroke, amputation, a road traffic accident or acquired brain injury.

Pathways has operated from the outset on a mutli-disciplinary team basis with input from the medical, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy professions and ancillary care staff. The rehabilitation unit has evolved since it was established in 2000 and now treats patients between 18 and 95 years of age. The majority of patients have been discharged to the community following treatment. Feedback from patients has been very positive throughout the years.

The issue at the Pathways rehabilitation unit is one of a short-term staffing deficit arsing from a series of recent staff retirements. The HSE is actively engaged in a process of recruiting staff nurses with a view to restoring the service at the unit as soon as possible. I assure Deputy Crawford that the Government will continue to deliver its public health services, including rehabilitation services, in a way which delivers the best possible outcomes within the resources available.

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