Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach arís.

I have raised this important issue because I was contacted by a family member of a patient who suffers from dementia. A pre-existing purpose-built dementia unit was located at St. Joseph's Hospital, Ennis, County Clare with significant support from the taxpayer. Unfortunately, the unit is still not operational and has not been staffed and activated. It was designed to house patients in need of respite care on a short-term basis and to provide care, on a long-term basis, to patients who suffer from dementia, particularly patients who have psychiatric and psychological challenges. The latter creates enormous challenges for families trying to care for loved ones who are patients. It is bad enough to suffer dementia but added complications means providing care can become very challenging. At present the high dependency unit at Ennis General Hospital is run by nurses, doctors and staff and they do a wonderful job. They try to accommodate patients but they are under enormous strain due to the significant number of people presenting for care.

Dementia is a condition that puts a lot of pressure on families and the number of sufferers is increasing which leads to a lot of pressure on the system. It is projected that there will be a dramatic increase in the number of dementia sufferers in the future. Part of this is due to an aging population. That poses health challenges even though an aging population is a good thing.

Dementia is also a condition that is close to the hearts of many people in the House. Many families have loved ones who suffer from it. Therefore, I would like an integrated support service provided. A key component of an integrated support service is the operation of the specially designated and purpose-built unit at St. Joseph's Hospital in Ennis. There is no reason for the unit to be left idle. It should have the necessary resources and be up and running. It would provide an important additional service for the people of County Clare, particularly those whose loved ones suffer from dementia with the added complications I outlined earlier.