Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will follow up on what the Deputy has said about particular issues and any other issues in respect of which I can be helpful. I assure her I have been told it is absolutely the case that there will be no bed closures and that there are no plans to close any beds at Clonakilty Community Hospital. I recognise the fantastic work the hospital has done in providing services to the local area. I will mention some of the details. The hospital is registered as having 129 beds for the provision of palliative care and community support to older people in west Cork. Its budget is €7.9 million and its current number of beds is 129. It has 118 residential beds, including 14 dementia-specific beds, and 11 respite and convalescent beds. The hospital's staffing level is 157, which is broken down as follows: 66 nursing staff; 71 health care assistants; 13.95 housekeeping and catering staff; three clerical support staff; and two medical officers.

Recruitment is currently in process for two additional health care assistants. This will be completed shortly.

I assure the Deputy that we are aware of the need to ensure that projects such as the Clonakilty district hospital are supported. We will do our best. I will revert to the Deputy on the issues she raised earlier.

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