Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Deputy for raising this issue. Work under the capital programme is progressing across the country to replace, upgrade and refurbish our current stock of community nursing units in response to the introduction of HIQA's national residential care standards for older people. The HSE is committed to the development of a new community nursing unit for Cashel. Provision has been made in the capital plan 2023 to progress a 60-bed community nursing unit for Cashel. The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic impacted on all elements of life. Unfortunately, the 60-bed residential care centre at St. Patrick's Hospital, Cashel, was delayed by the pandemic. An interim solution to move the facilities located on the campus to Our Lady's Hospital, Cashel, was implemented. Services will be provided in St. Patrick's Hospital, Cashel. An assessment and rehabilitation unit and a day hospital for older persons continue to operate. Work has been carried out to accommodate new facilities for children's disability services and the enhanced community care programme. Older persons services and the estates unit of the HSE are progressing work on the plan for a community nursing unit for Cashel.

Cashel residential older persons service has commenced the community nursing registration process with HIQA in order to ensure reregistration for another three years from June 2023.

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