Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Lowry for raising with me on Leaders' Questions this issue concerning the Dean Maxwell community nursing unit in Roscrea. As has been said, this is one of a few residential units for the elderly in Tipperary which, as we are all aware, is a very large county covered by two separate HSE areas. Like many community nursing units across the country, the Dean Maxwell unit has a long, proud and reputable history of caring for the elderly community in Roscrea since it opened in 1974. It is a home away from home for 29 older people who cannot live independently. It also provides day services that are open seven days a week and respite services. It is in an older building on a very tight site. The HSE is working closely with HIQA to ensure that standards and services are maintained in the unit. The internal layout is restricting the types of services that can be provided by the unit and the HSE is reviewing the situation on an ongoing basis as part of its service planning for 2021 and beyond.

It is important to state that the unit will continue to be registered with HIQA for the next three years. In its most recent report, HIQA noted that residents spoke extremely fondly of the services and care provided within the unit. As the Deputy alluded to, the NDP has funding to provide a new 50-bed community nursing unit in Nenagh. That does not mean services in the Dean Maxwell nursing home will be reduced as a result. It is important that residential units of this kind are rooted in the communities they serve and that there is local access and utilisation of such facilities.

I take on board what the Deputy is saying. The Government is committed to meeting the wider health needs of older people in Roscrea and north County Tipperary and we are conscious of the demographic pressures. We will need more such facilities in the future not fewer. The Dean Maxwell centre will continue to play its role. I will request that the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, meet Deputy Lowry and other public representatives from County Tipperary to discuss the current and future service needs of the Dean Maxwell unit and any potential options which may be considered into the future.

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