Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the question. I acknowledge his ongoing advocacy and work for Ballina Hospital.

I very much look forward to meeting the Deputy in the hospital soon and meeting healthcare workers and management there to look at what more can be done in future with respect to ongoing provision for services.

Ballina is a very important hospital. It is 62-bed hospital providing short-stay facilities for those discharged from Mayo University Hospital who require convalescence before being discharged or a long-stay bed in a community nursing unit. I acknowledge attempts have been made to carry out capital improvements in Ballina. The Deputy has repeatedly brought these to the attention of the House. Submissions were received in November 2018 for a 75-bed replacement unit and, in January 2021, for a 30-bed interim build. These have not yet been fully appraised by the HSE. It is not a situation I am satisfied with and I am aware the Deputy is not satisfied with it either. I have asked both the Department and the HSE to move on these more quickly. Some of the delay was down to Covid. However, I am not satisfied with the pace this is moving at.

A new proposal was submitted via the national property steering committee at February's meeting concerning the planned replacement of the current facility in Ballina with a modular build, which is urgent and would make a big difference. Engagements have taken place with the CHO since the February meeting, which is important. We are pushing to get this happening. The HSE is to come back confirming bed numbers, types and costs for Ballina. An amended proposal has been submitted for consideration at the next property steering committee meeting, which is taking place in a few weeks.

The HSE and CHO 2 remain committed to the future provision of long-stay residential care. I know the Deputy does and I assure him I and the Government do as well.

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