Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 319: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to concerns regarding a nursing unit (details supplied) in County Roscommon, namely the complete suspension of its day care service due to staff shortages; if she will make a commitment that funding will be approved for staffing of the day care service as a priority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12679/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This Government is committed to supporting people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Where this is not feasible, the health service supports access to quality long-term residential care where this is appropriate and we continue to develop and improve health services in all regions of the country and to ensure quality and patient safety.

The Health Service Executive has operational responsibility for the delivery of health and social services, including those at facilities such as Plunkett Home, Boyle. The information contained herein represents the position at 9th March 2010.

The Executive has been asked, in the light of the current economic and budgetary pressures, to make a rigorous examination of how existing funding might be re-configured or re-allocated to ensure maximum service provision is achieved. This requires a stringent on-going review of the application of the resources currently available.

Integrated Services Directorate is the Executive's directorate responsible for the delivery of healthcare services. In line with what's happening around the country, the HSE in Roscommon is reviewing its use of resources and facilities for all care in the County.

The Executive indicated that it temporarily closed the Day-care Service at the Plunkett Community Nursing Unit in Boyle from Monday March 8th.

The Executive indicated that the service has been suspended for a period of 3 months and it will make every effort to restore it as quickly as possible.