Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputies Farrell and Connolly for raising this important matter. Áras Mhic Dara community nursing unit provides important and valued services for the people in Carraroe and surrounding areas. I understand the significant role the community nursing unit plays in the community and the depth of feeling associated with the facility. Áras Mhic Dara community nursing unit is registered with HIQA to accommodate a maximum of 38 residents for long-term residential care, which both Deputies have mentioned. The HSE has advised that currently 29 beds are open and nine beds are vacant due to staffing challenges. Both Deputies have referenced this.

Áras Mhic Dara community nursing unit cannot admit any more residents at present as the opening of additional beds is dependent on safe staffing levels. As the Deputies are aware, there are challenges in recruiting staff in community nursing units and community hospitals in more rural locations. Unfortunately, staff shortages can have an impact on bed capacity at times. The number of beds open at any time is dependent on safe staffing levels, and this is monitored on an ongoing basis in line with the recruitment of staff. To ensure the safety of residents and staff, bed capacity is configured around adequate staffing levels, and an appropriate staff skill mix must be in place.

I assure the Deputies that HSE west and north west is committed to filling all vacant posts in Áras Mhic Dara, and in all community hospitals and CNUs in the region, and will continue to explore all available options to fill these posts. It is currently planned that an additional 14 whole-time equivalents will be required to open the additional beds in Áras Mhic Dara community nursing unit in Carraroe. To enable recruitment of approved and funded positions, the HSE has progressed recruitment campaigns for staff nurses and multitask attendants. Both of these campaigns have now closed and shortlisting for these positions has commenced. Interviews will soon be scheduled by the HSE and recruitment will commence in due course. The HSE envisages reopening beds in Áras Mhic Dara community nursing unit once staff are recruited at the start of the new year. I assure the Deputies that I am committed to working alongside the HSE to address all concerns in respect of the residential care of older persons in Áras Mhic Dara now and over the coming years.

I have followed up with the Department and the HSE today and previously. I am arranging to meet the HSE myself directly with officials. I want to see precisely what is happening. We know recruitment is under way for nine very important and beneficial beds for older people in the area. The commitment I give tonight is that in a practical and proactive way, I and officials will meet the HSE to see exactly what is happening, and to see how we can expedite getting the staff in place for the nine beds to have the full complement open as quickly as possible. This is the proactive measure I am putting forward tonight.

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