Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for raising this issue. I know it has caused a lot of concern for families and residents. If it becomes necessary for an older person to move to a nursing home their safety and well-being is of paramount concern. We have to ensure the highest standards of care are provided to all residents in a safe and secure environment.

Cherry Orchard is a designated centre for the care of older people located in the hospital campus in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. The centre comprises five units, namely, Beech, Aspen, Hazel, Willow and Sycamore, housing 95 residents in total. There are 68 residents in the Willow and Sycamore units.

In May 2023, a HIQA inspection identified concerns about the flooring in the Sycamore and Willow units in Cherry Orchard Hospital. These presented a potential health and safety risk. A subsequent HSE review indicated the flooring has underlying structural issues, including a newly identified lack of fire compartmentalisation in the walls at a subfloor level and in the subfloor, which require immediate remedial work. A fire risk assessment report has identified that while the risk of fire is relatively low a maximum rating has been assigned to the potential impact of any fire, which would be severe due to a combination of factors including the dependency level of the residents.

The HSE has assured the Department there is ongoing monitoring and risk assessment by the service to ensure there is no immediate hazard to residents. In consultation with HIQA the HSE considered several plans to address the required works that would have allowed residents to remain on site during their completion. However, it was agreed that to ensure the health and safety of residents, to minimise disruption during these works, and to comply with a requirement for a shorter timeline for completion of works, the Sycamore and Window units will close for a minimum of 12 months. I have been advised that there is no impact on other structures on the campus as the issues relate solely to the two modular buildings that are Window and Sycamore.

The safety and well-being of residents and staff is our primary concern. Residents and their families will continue to be consulted, informed and reassured regularly about the move. There will be a medical social worker and an assisted decision making lead available on site for the duration of the move. In addition, all residents have the on-site details of an independent advocacy service should they wish to contact it.

Last week I met the national director and assistant director of community operation services for older people in the HSE. They are in charge of the community nursing units.

All residents will remain under the overall care of the HSE. I have stressed the importance of communicating with families and residents so that they are aware of what is happening.

It is proposed to move the residents to Clondalkin Lodge nursing home on a phased basis. This phased move will pay due regard to the residents' needs, their current proximity to one another and relationships within the unit. Medical officers will follow and review each resident on transfer and for a minimum of three months after that. The HSE has assured my Department that each care plan for this temporary move will include the therapeutic inputs required as well as a review of charges to ensure that no one experiences adverse financial exposure. All additional charges will be covered by the HSE for the duration of the works. When these extensive structural works are complete, everyone will move back to the Cherry Orchard site. All residents will remain in the care of the HSE at all times, even when they are located off site. We all know how there are extra charges in private nursing homes but there will be no additional charges for these residents. All supports, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, will be provided to the residents, which I have made crystal clear.

An initial visit to the new nursing home was well attended by residents and families and further visits are planned.

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