Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 54: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her policy in relation to the delivery of nursing home care; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that public nursing homes facilities, (details supplied) in County Westmeath, are being wound down and that beds are being closed at other facilities; the consequences that this is having on the provision of respite care for families; if it is her intention to privatise the delivery of nursing home care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25844/10]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 89: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene to prevent the closure of Loughloe House, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25965/10]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 89 together.

This Government is committed to supporting people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and to support access to quality long-term residential care where this is appropriate. Loughloe House, is one of two long stay facilities in Athlone. The second is St Vincent's Community Nursing Unit, (CNU) which is situated in the town centre. They are relatively close to each other. In St Vincent's CNU there are currently approximately 60 residents. There is one management structure for the two units.

Loughloe House has been inspected by HIQA. Numerous concerns have been raised in the course of this inspection process both in terms of the physical infrastructure and in relation to management/staffing issues. Concerns also exist regarding the fire safety precautions at the home. With these considerations in mind, the Health Service Executive has decided that it has no option but to proceed with the orderly, phased closure of Loughloe House.

There will be a consultation process with Loughloe House residents and their families with a view to organising transfers to private and public nursing homes in the surrounding areas. The HSE has also agreed to put in place an independent advocate to assist the residents of Loughloe House and their families with the relocation. The overall level of provision of long stay beds in the Longford Westmeath Local Health Office area will remain in excess of the 4.5% level currently deemed as adequate to meet needs and there are more than sufficient vacancies to cater for the residents of Loughloe House.

I understand that there was a reduction in respite provision in this area as the future of Loughloe House was being considered. However, the HSE has informed me that the previous level of provision of respite care is now in the process of being restored. The safety of the residents is our first concern. We owe them a duty of care. I am sure this House will agree that quality care and patient safety comes first and all patients should receive the same high standard of quality-assured care.

It is not my intention to privatise the delivery of nursing home care. The Deputies will be aware that under the Fair Deal, the same level of State support is available for public, private and voluntary long-term nursing home care recipients. This meets one of the objectives of Towards 2016, namely that State support should be indifferent as to whether a person is in public or private care.