Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to raise with the Minister the important issue of what has happened in respect of St. Vincent's Community Nursing Unit in Mountmellick. The cessation of admissions has had serious consequences because there is a major shortage of public nursing home beds in County Laois. Only a handful of long-stay beds are available now in Abbeyleix and Shaen. The units there are mainly respite facilities. The unit in Mountmellick had been taking the bulk of long-stay patients. There is a need for a major initiative on the part of the Government. The unit in Mountmellick was already operating under capacity due to the closure of St. Joseph's ward a little over six years ago.

While it is important that proper standards are met, I have some questions about some of HIQA's requirements, particularly those regarding single occupancy rooms. I am unsure whether it is a question of being practical or if they are the best for patients. Certainly, many people who work in the profession see them as a bad thing because they isolate patients.

The findings in the report on the unit at Mountmellick included a reference to an inadequate number of toilets and inadequate washing facilities to meet the needs of residents. This must be addressed. Only two toilets are available in some areas along with a shower room. These facilities are to cater for 22 patients. Staff and patients have had to use commodes and that is not satisfactory.

The HSE has submitted a national plan to the Department of Health, including plans to upgrade Mountmellick and the other two nursing hospitals in the county at Abbeyleix and Shaen. These have been neglected by successive Governments. The Government has earmarked €300 million in the capital plan for upgrading facilities. Now is the time to move and prioritise the matter. It is badly needed. There is a chronic shortage of long-stay beds in the county.

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