Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I met with members of the Save Wicklow Hospital Campaign and local public representatives to discuss the proposed closure of Wicklow Community Hospital on 27th October 2010. Wicklow Community Hospital, built in the 1940s, currently provides 26 long stay care beds, 4 respite care beds and 1 palliative care bed. HSE Management commissioned two reports recently arising from concerns in relation to the physical infrastructure of the residential unit at the Hospital. One was a comprehensive architectural survey and the other a report in relation to Fire Safety compliance.

While the Architectural Survey is still underway, the Fire Safety report was completed and submitted on 14th October. It found approximately 80 issues requiring significant and urgent attention. In addition, it became clear that if works were undertaken to bring the current building up to meet the requirements under the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People the likely numbers of residents that could be accommodated at the Hospital would be reduced to between 10 and 12 which would render the residential element of the Hospital unviable.

Consequently, the HSE has decided that the best option is to close the hospital and informed HIQA of this decision on 22nd October. The HSE has met with representatives of residents, and Wicklow Public Representatives. Staff representative bodies have also been appraised of the situation.

The welfare of the residents is the primary concern. The Director of Nursing and her Assistant Director, who know the residents and their familes, informed them of the decision. The Director of Nursing and her staff continue to make themselves available at all times to the residents and their families in supporting them through the transfer process. A helpline phone number has been set up and given to the residents and their families. They have been offered a choice in relation to their future homes. Currently most of the residents have chosen to move to St. Colman's, Rathdrum, or to Blainroe Nursing Home in Wicklow.

Residents are being assessed by the staff from the units where they will make their new homes to ensure that their assessed needs can be met. The General Practitioners who provide a medical service to the resident have also been informed. Suitable transfer arrangements will be facilitated for the residents when they are ready to transfer to their new homes. They will be accompanied by appropriate staff from Wicklow Hospital to ensure continuity of care in relation to their needs as indicated in their individual care plans.