Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very familiar with St. Mary's Hospital because members of my family stayed there in the past for long-term respite care. We can all agree that the quality of care for patients comes first. All patients should receive the same high standard of quality assured care. The decision to close the ward was based solely on health and safety concerns. I cannot emphasise that enough. It was not taken lightly and was not taken as a cost saving measure. The measures were taken to promote and protect service users' safety. That is very important.

The ward is in an old part of the hospital and significant capital development is required to address the risks identified. The HSE has confirmed that a capital development project plan will be drawn up as part of the normal capital planning process in order to address the issues and recommence services at this location. The HSE has assured the Department that engagement with patients, their families, staff, union representatives and other relevant stakeholders is ongoing in order to ensure that minimal impact on all concerned is achieved during the closure of the ward. The HSE confirms that staff will be reassigned within the hospital and all commitments made in respect of further respite care will be honoured. I do not know how more clearly the two Deputies wish me to put it.

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