Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she has received petitions and representations from the people of Carlow opposing the closure of a nursing home (details supplied); the action she has taken in response to these representations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16272/09]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I have received the petitions and representations referred to by the Deputy regarding the closure of a nursing home in Carlow. The Deputy will be aware that the Health Service Executive commissioned a review of elderly services within the Carlow-Kilkenny region, which included Bethany House. Following consideration of the review a decision was made on Tuesday 13 January 2009 by the HSE to relocate residents from Bethany House to alternative accommodation. This decision was approved as part of 2009 HSE South Service Plan.

During 2009 my Department has received and responded to various representations concerning this decision by the Executive to close Bethany House. In addition, on 20 March 2009 my Department received correspondence from the Clerk of the Joint Committee on Health and Children which included a copy of a petition calling on the Executive to review its decision to close Bethany House. Following receipt of this correspondence my Department was informed by the HSE that the last resident was relocated from Bethany House on Saturday 28 March 2009. The Executive confirmed that each person was relocated with their consent and that of a relative. On 31 March the Executive advised that it had followed up with all of the residents that were relocated and confirmed that they had all adjusted extremely well to their new surroundings.

Bethany House will continue to be used as a health care facility for the delivery of health care to the people of Carlow including some day services for the elderly.