Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

The overall service plan was prepared in the context of difficult financial circumstances. The Minister for Health referred to a number of key policy proposals on the role of the special delivery unit in reducing waiting lists and achieving throughput in the acute hospital system. However, the plan states in respect of older people: "It is expected that if the anticipated reduction in staff numbers materialises, a minimum of 555 public beds will close in the course of the year". The plan goes on to indicate that up to 900 beds could close in the public nursing home system. Certain patients in acute hospitals should be moved to step down or recuperative facilities but if we close these beds we face difficulties in trying to find alternative accommodation for them. It is as sure as night follows day that there will be problems in placing people in step down accommodation if community nursing home beds are closed.

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