Written answers
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Department of Health and Children
Nursing Home Services
11:00 pm
Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Question 715: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concern expressed by residents of community homes regarding the interpretation of the Nursing Home Act and the role of Health Information and Quality Assurance in respect of those homes which will lead to additional expenditure by the management of the accommodation and the request of the Health Service Executive to de-list those homes from the register of inspection in view of their satisfaction at the quality and standard of care being offered under the present inspection regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33074/10]
Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I understand the Deputy is referring to specific facilities providing residential care in the HSE Southern region. The Health Act, 2007 provides for the registration and inspection of nursing homes, both private and public. The Act assigns responsibility for the registration and inspection function to the independent chief inspector of social services, part of the Health Information and Quality Authority. It is a matter for the chief inspector to decide whether certain facilities meet the definition of a designated centre and are therefore subject to this regime.
While I am aware that the HSE has written directly to the authority I have not received any request to have the facilities the Deputy is referring to de-listed.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a review of the Regulations will begin shortly. The Department will bear in mind issues raised, including issues specific to this type of residential facility, in the context of this review.
No comments