Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Whelan for raising this issue as it gives me an opportunity to outline the current position. He has outlined the history in respect of events rather well. The Abbeyleix community nursing unit is a two-storey building registered with HIQA for a period of three years with effect from 16 May 2012. The maximum number of people that can be accommodated at the community nursing unit is 33. There is also a day-care centre attached to the building. St. Brigid's Hospital, Shaen, is located in a rural setting approximately 7 km from Portlaoise.

That hospital is also set out over two storeys and was registered with the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, on 16 January 2012 for three years to provide accommodation for up to 32 people. In October and November 2011, the HSE announced the closure of St. Brigid's Hospital, Shaen, and the Abbeyleix community nursing unit. In recognition of the strong views held by residents and others, however, the HSE agreed to review the position for both facilities and to embark on a new consideration of the relevant issues. I have met the three ladies involved. Not only were they brave, but also articulate and sprightly.

The new process began with a comprehensive consultation exercise. Central HSE protocol sets out how consultations and subsequent decision making should operate in this context. This protocol sets out the following: who should be consulted, including residents, next of kin, interested parties, action groups, public representatives and unions-staff representation; a named HSE official, known as the designated officer, should be given responsibility for considering all of the available views, information and evidence and for proposing a course of action based on these considerations; and the factors that should be considered by the designated officer. These include issues arising from the range of views expressed through the consultation process, the context and validity of the submissions received, an assessment by the relevant managers of the position, a medical review of the residents and any additional information.

In May 2012, this protocol was applied with the launch of a public consultation process regarding the potential closure of Abbeyleix community nursing unit and St. Brigid's Hospital. All relevant information and submissions were presented to the designated officer on 16 August 2012. The Senator will be aware that there were almost 100 submissions received and more than 60 meetings took place with interested parties, 55 of whom were with residents and next of kin.

In line with the HSE protocol, the designated officer confirmed that the relevant procedures and processes had been fully adhered to in considering these cases. He also confirmed that he had reviewed all submissions received along with the other relevant documentation that I have described. Having considered all of the information available, he formulated his recommendations and submitted them to the Department. These are being considered by the Minister and it is anticipated that an announcement will be made shortly in respect of both facilities.

Although there is nothing new in my reply, I recently checked and know that the Minister will make a decision on both facilities shortly. This will probably bring a great deal of relief to the people involved.