Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I would like to be an advocate for older people who are patients in public nursing homes. The issue does not hit the radar as much because older people do not have as strong a voice as those who are young and fit. In recent months the HSE announced that it would cut 550 beds in public nursing homes. Fear and consternation ran through the families and staff of public nursing homes. I attended public meetings on the issue and twice visited Crooksling nursing home in Brittas, County Dublin. I suggest my colleagues visit it. The nursing home was designated for closure. It is situated in idyllic rural surroundings on 23 acres. Deer run around the perimeter of the site. HIQA praised the care and attention the 90 dementia patients received in the nursing home.