Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I thank Senator Cullinane for raising this issue. I am responding on behalf of my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch.

Recently the HSE confirmed its commitment to sustaining 101 elderly long-stay beds between Dungarvan community hospital and Dunabbey House. Both units operate under the management of Dungarvan community hospital. The hospital serves the catchment area of Dungarvan and west Waterford. The old part of the hospital dates back to 1839 but has been refurbished over the years. Services are provided in six different units and the centre provides long-term care, rehabilitation, respite, convalescence, palliative and dementia-specific services. It also caters for the young chronic sick. At present there are 84 long-term bedsat the hospital.

Located very close to the hospital is Dunabbey House. This is a single storey, purpose-built unit and has operated as a designated centre for dependent persons since 1974. Dunabbey has capacity to provide long-term care for 30 residents. It operates as a stand-alone unit under the management structure of Dungarvan community hospital.

The current capacity for long-term care beds at both units is 114 beds. It should be noted that there is not at present maximum long-term bed occupancy in either Dunabbey House or Dungarvan community hospital, and 15 bedsin total are unoccupied.

The Senator will be aware that the moratorium on recruitment is impacting on the community hospital system in Waterford. The HSE south service plan for 2012refers to the closure of 13 long-stay beds at Dungarvan community hospital arising from the retirement of staff. It proposes to re-organise beds by moving residents to other parts of the hospital more appropriate to their needs, and to avail of superior long-stay accommodation in Dunabbey House. The HSE is involved in consultation with staff and patients on the proposal to reorganise beds at the hospital. I also understand that local Oireachtas Members have been invited to attend the hospital this Friday, 2 March, to view the different facilities and have further discussions on this matter.

The Senator will be aware that towards the end of 2011, 16 short-stay beds were closed at Dungarvan community hospital as a cost containment measure. These beds will be reopened on a phased basis over the next few weeks.

All developments must be addressed in the light of the current economic and budgetary pressures, and any decisions taken by the HSE must have regard to this and the current moratorium. However, the care of all residents in the hospital is a priority and the HSE has given assurances that no resident currently in the hospital or Dunabbey House will be disadvantaged in any way.

I trust the House will agree that we need to ensure the highest standard of care will continue to be provided to all residents in a safe and secure environment. Providing quality and safe care will always remain at the heart of any considerations.