Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators Terry Leyden and John Kelly for raising this matter. I am taking the debate this on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, who is abroad on Government business.

The policy of the Government is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. If it becomes necessary for an older person to move to a nursing home, appropriate accommodation must be available that meets his or her care needs and matches his or her wishes and preferences.

The Health Service Executive, HSE, is responsible for the delivery of health and personal social services, including those at the Sacred Heart Hospital in County Roscommon.

The facility provides services for 80 residents in ongoing care. Many of the residents have complex and challenging conditions and almost half have had a diagnosis of dementia, psychiatric conditions or other complex medical needs. There are 15 beds used for rehabilitation, respite or palliative care. The rehabilitation service is led by a consultant. This service makes an important contribution to facilitating patients to move from acute hospitals to a more appropriate care centre when they no longer need acute care.

The Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, is the independent authority established under the Health Act 2007 to drive continuous improvement and monitor safety and quality in Ireland's health and personal social care services. Since 2009 all nursing homes - public, private and voluntary - have been registered and inspected by HIQA. The most recent HIQA report on the hospital was published last July. Inspectors found that the centre was well managed. Residents and family members told inspectors that they were very happy with the services provided. While HIQA praised the care provided, inspectors expressed concern about environmental standards and staffing levels at night. The issue of staffing levels has been addressed and is being progressed. During August the HSE received a notice of proposal from HIQA to restrict admissions. The HSE has responded to this notice and is in ongoing contact with HIQA regarding the registration. This, of course, is a process that inevitably ends up in court. It is not one in respect of which I can make any ministerial direction, nor do I have the power to do so.

As is in the case of the Sacred Heart Hospital, residents in public facilities and their families are generally very happy with the standard of care provided. They frequently choose such facilities, even when other alternatives are available. However, a number of buildings are very old and it can be difficult or very costly to fully adapt them in line with modern practice. Demands on public capital funding generally exceed what can realistically be provided. Only a finite amount of funding can be provided for public capital investment and there are many competing demands across government for the funds available. However, the Minister of State and I have made the strongest possible case for investment in community nursing units. My Department will work with the HSE to direct what does become available in the most effective way possible, with the safety and welfare of residents always being our top priority.