Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if it is her policy to close long stay public residential beds for senior citizens and transfer patients from existing public hospitals to private hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4153/09]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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Government policy is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and, where this is not possible, to support access to quality long-term residential care. The overall emphasis is on promoting a high quality service, delivered to those who require it, in the most appropriate setting. A critical concern is to ensure that the needs of patients and clients are met as much as possible in a community setting and, where this is not possible, through residential services. Home care packages, home helps, day and respite care together with meals and wheels form an integral component of the Government's strategy of supporting older people to live at home and in their communities for as long as possible.

The present standards for nursing homes are set out in the 1993 Care and Welfare Regulations and the HSE inspects private nursing homes on the basis of these standards. Under the Health Act, 2007, statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services for inspecting and registering all residential centres for older people, including private nursing homes. Once this part of the 2007 Act is commenced, the Chief Inspector will inspect centres against the regulations governing these centres and standards set by HIQA. Formal standards are a key requirement for inspection and registration. An important function of HIQA is the setting of standards on safety and quality in relation to services provided by the HSE and service providers and to monitor their compliance in an open and transparent way. The Chief Inspector will inspect centres against the regulations governing these centres and standards set by the Authority with a view to promoting safety and quality in the provision of health and personal social services.

The Executive is working on an Action Plan to prioritise a phased programme of refurbishment and replacement of existing nursing homes where necessary, to meet the proposed new standards. Where existing residents have to be relocated, the HSE works closely with the residents and their families to ensure that they are relocated to other facilities which will best meet their needs. The Deputy will appreciate that ongoing reviews are essential to ensuring that resources are appropriately channelled, that the changing needs of older people are suitably addressed and that the HSE continue to address infrastructural deficits to meet new standards, health & safety and fire requirements.