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

I thank the Senator for raising this issue. While this case is quite unusual, it is not unique. As the Senator will know, there was a quite young woman in similar circumstances in Cork. We dealt with that.

The individual at the centre of this case has displayed tremendous tenacity and bravery in dealing with his condition. As the Senator rightly said, I do not believe it is possible for us to imagine what it must be like. I acknowledge the devastation experienced by the man's family and fiancée on his diagnosis and their incredible commitment to him daily.

Locked-in syndrome is a challenging condition in which a patient generally retains cognitive function but requires constant medical care, treatment and supports, such as ventilation. It must be acknowledged that, in this case, the individual's needs are particularly complex, and patients with such needs are generally cared for in an intensive care setting. The man's post-discharge care would involve the provision of appropriate medical devices essential to survival, such as a ventilator, and 24-hour specialised intensive care unit nursing care. Given the complexity of his care needs, if he were to be cared for at home he would need an extensive home care package, including 24-hour specialist nursing care with clinical governance by an appropriate consultant.

I understand several multidisciplinary meetings have already taken place at local level between the family, the HSE and Resilience Ireland - a company that specialises in specialist advanced home care management. I have also been assured that there has been significant engagement between Beaumont Hospital and the local community care service in an effort to find a solution appropriate to this patient's needs. While it may be possible to provide such a solution, the equipment, staffing and resources required are likely to be very substantial and would have to be accommodated within the overall resources available to the HSE for disability services. This case must be considered in that context.

The Department of Health has discussed this case with the HSE and a meeting between the family and senior officials in the HSE has been scheduled for early next week to discuss and consider the patient's request to transfer home from Beaumont and the significant complex issues associated with such a transfer. The HSE will continue to explore with the family all options for future care, including alternative community service providers or the individual's possible move to a hospital closer to home and family.

I acknowledge that the Senator has a particular interest in this case and believe the meeting next week will result in a resolution to the young man's particular difficulties and those of his family.