Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and Senator Boyhan, who has raised this issue consistently for quite some time, as have I. I first became aware of the fact that 12 beds were closed on 14 February last. From January until mid-May, we have had 10% reduced capacity at our National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire. As an occupational therapist who has worked in rehabilitation for the past eight years, I am deeply frustrated. The evidence very clearly supports the need for people to have access to timely and specialist rehabilitation. It is comparable to a life-saving drug. People who are currently in acute beds need access to timely and specialist rehabilitation in order to have the best possible outcomes and to help improve their quality of life.

It is very positive that the rehabilitation unit planned for Roscommon hospital is being progressed. It is important to have a satellite centre of the NRH to cater for the needs of those who need rehabilitation in the west of Ireland. I emphasise strongly, as I have in the Seanad over the past number of months, the need for proper treatment and rehabilitation for those who need it. I am deeply passionate about that and will continue to raise it. While we are receiving somewhat positive news on the reopening of the four beds, we need those eight beds open now.The Health Service Executive needs to respond to the work force planning document that was submitted by the National Rehabilitation Hospital and they need to act on it urgently.