Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. Senator Boyhan and I were among the first public representatives to raise the issue of 12 beds being closed in the National Rehabilitation Hospital last year. It is deeply frustrating that while half of the beds have been opened, six remain closed. That is not good enough. We hear a great deal about capital development, which is positive, but the most important aspect of delivering rehabilitation is to ensure adequate staffing is available and the service provided by the NRH is able to operate to capacity.

The National Rehabilitation Hospital has confirmed that a submission has been made to the National Hospitals Office regarding the reopening of six beds at the facility. We understand, however, that the outcome of these considerations will not be available until October or November. Based on today's debate, I ask the Minister of State to escalate this very serious issue. The National Rehabilitation Hospital is the national service for people with brain injury, stroke and spinal cord injury who need access to timely specialist rehabilitation.

Based on information provided by the NRH yesterday, there are nine delayed discharges in the hospital. This refers to people who may need adaptations or home supports. Delayed discharges affect the hospital's ability to admit new patients and compound the problems caused by the failure to open six beds in the hospital. We have been here before and there has been little improvement in the meantime. The six closed beds at the NRH must be reopened without delay. I ask the Minister of State to seek an update on this matter from the Health Service Executive and to revert to the Seanad with the response because the current position is simply not good enough.

It is positive that progress is being made in developing a rehabilitation unit at Roscommon University Hospital. I understand a design team is in place. It is essential that the project progresses to planning and is delivered as quickly as possible because it is needed to cater for the many people who require rehabilitation support.