Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

I will adhere strictly to the script with which I have been provided when making my initial reply but I hope the Deputy and I might be able to engage in a little more free-flowing exchange of views thereafter. I thank her for raising this matter.

St. Mary's Hospital was built in 1769. It was originally the Royal Hibernian Military School. The building was subsequently developed as a hospital by the Irish Army. In 1948 it was transferred to the Dublin Health Authority and developed as a chest hospital. In 1964 the hospital became a facility for older people. St. Mary's primarily provides accommodation to dependent older persons aged 65 years or over who require admission, assessment, rehabilitation, respite and continuing care. Following an inspection by HIQA towards the end of 2011, the HSE decided to close two wards at the hospital. The Deputy will appreciate that certain wards in the older parts of the facility are extremely antiquated and are, by their nature, unfit for purpose. It should be noted also that at the time of building the new community nursing units at St. Mary's Hospital in 2008, it was envisaged that bed numbers in the older part of the facility would be reduced. One such ward has closed and the residents have been transferred to more appropriate residential care facilities in the area. A second ward is being closed, bringing the total reduction to 41 beds. Staff are working with the residents and their families to ensure residents are placed in the most appropriate care settings for their needs.

As the Deputy is aware, the HSE is facing challenges in respect of all services in 2012. In the case of community nursing units, these include challenges regarding staffing, funding and the age and structure of its units. The HSE national service plan anticipates that between a minimum of 555 and maximum of 898 residential beds in public nursing homes could close during 2012. We are working very intently on that issue.

The Minister, Deputy Reilly, has requested that the HSE provide him with a plan which seeks to protect the viability of as many units as possible within the funding and staffing resources available. It is accepted that this will require a combination of actions such as consolidation of services and changes in staffing, skill mix and work practices. The plan will also have to take into account different types of services required, the age and structure of public units and the capacity available within an area. 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 and the Deputy 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 consideration.

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