Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Stanley for raising this issue. He is correct that significant concerns have been expressed on this issue over the past two years but I think he will acknowledge that the reversal of the original decision was a good thing. It is important that we take our time when we make our decisions. There are six public nursing units in counties Laois and Offaly, namely, Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit, St. Brigid's Hospital, Shaen, Birr Community Nursing Unit, St. Vincent's Hospital, Mountmellick, Riada House, Tullamore, and Ofalia House, Edenderry. All six were registered with the Health Information and Quality Authority in 2012 for a period of three years. In recent times the future of facilities at Shaen and Abbeyleix has been under consideration by the Health Service Executive. Mountmellick has not been considered in this context.

In October and November 2011 the HSE announced the closure of St. Brigid's Hospital, Shaen, and Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit. However, in recognition of strong views held by residents and others, the HSE agreed to review the position for both facilities and to embark on an entirely new consideration of relevant issues. This new process began with a comprehensive consultation exercise. Central HSE protocol sets out how consultations and subsequent decision making should operate in this context. This protocol sets out the following - who should be consulted, including residents, next of kin, interested parties, action groups, public representatives, unions and staff representation; and a named HSE official, known as the designated officer should be given responsibility for considering all of the available views, information and evidence, and for proposing a course of action based on these considerations. The factors that should be considered by the designated officer are also specified in the protocol. These include issues arising from the range of views expressed through the consultation process, the context and validity of the submissions received, an assessment by the relevant managers of the position, a medical review of the residents and relevant additional information. This protocol was applied in May 2012 with the launch of a public consultation process regarding a proposal to consolidate the number of nursing units in the Midlands and the potential closure of Abbeyleix and St. Brigid's Hospital.

Arising from the public consultation, all relevant information and submissions were presented to the designated officer on 16 August 2012. Almost 100 submissions were received and over 60 meetings took place with interested parties, 55 of which were with residents or next-of-kin. In line with the HSE protocol, the designated officer confirmed that the relevant procedures and processes had been fully adhered to in considering these cases. He also confirmed that he reviewed all submissions received along with the other relevant documentation described above. All of the available relevant information is currently being re-examined by the HSE with a view to finalising a recommendation to the Department and this process is expected to conclude shortly. An announcement will be made at the earliest opportunity once the Minister receives the HSE's definitive position.

I agree with the Deputy that people find themselves in a type of limbo but the position is much better now than was the case two years ago. An announcement is expected shortly.

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