Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Senators that I will treat this with the utmost importance. Unfortunately, short-stay capacity in public hospitals and community nursing units can be impacted for a number of reasons including HIQA standards, infection prevention and control requirements and staffing challenges. The new rostering system was put in place and contingency measures were implemented to ensure respite services will continue.

Having listened to the Senators and spoken to some of their colleagues in the past day or two, I think there are two issues here. The first is staffing. There has to be a dedicated approach to try to find staff in the short term to continue these services. The second is that we need to get a bit of urgency around the new community nursing unit proposed for that area in which Clifden District Hospital and St. Anne's community nursing unit will amalgamate. My focus will be there.

I have every intention of speaking with the chief officer in Community Healthcare West to see exactly what is happening on the ground. It is very frustrating when there is no communication on rosters because, at the end of the day, vulnerable people are affected the most.

I was here last week answering a question from Senator Lombard on challenges with regard to beds in Bantry hospital for people with enduring mental health conditions. It strikes me that these are two very rural areas which nonetheless have considerable catchment areas. Asking an elderly person who requires respite to travel to Merlin Park, which is 80 km away, is very difficult and is not fair. The Senators have my support in trying to find a resolution.