Written answers

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

6:00 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 404: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the closure of St. Bridget's Ward at St. Patrick's Hospital, Waterford, by the previous Minister; the commitment to replace the ward with a new geriatric care facility on the grounds of St. Patrick's; if he will confirm that he intends to allocate capital funding to allow for the new facility; and if he will outline a timeframe for its completion. [12721/11]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Concerns had been expressed in relation to health and fire safety at St Brigid's, a 19 bed ward, which was the last remaining ward on an upper floor of St Patrick's Hospital, Waterford. As a consequence of these concerns, the HSE decided that it was no longer viable to continue to accommodate residents in the ward and it was closed on a phased basis in 2009. The primary focus of the decision was the care and welfare of each resident.

In view of the closure of St Brigid's, the HSE took steps during 2009, to ensure that there was no reduction in the number of public beds to support older people in Waterford City. Arrangements were made for a total of 30 private nursing home beds to be contracted instead. This was prior to the commencement of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

The Executive, at the time of the closure of St Brigid's Ward, did indicate that it would examine the provision of a new 50 bed Community Nursing Unit (CNU) on the grounds of the hospital. Such a construction project would require capital funding and the HSE must prioritise all capital infrastructure projects nationally within its overall capital funding allocation.

The Prospectus Report which was prepared for the HSE in 2008 assessed the provision of nursing home places across the country and the need for additional places to meet demographic change. The Report found that there were sufficient places in Waterford at that time and additional places would not be needed before 2013.

My Department is currently engaged with the HSE in planning the provision of long-term care places, taking account of both public and private nursing home provision. This will give further consideration to the Prospectus Report recommendations and the requirements to upgrade facilities to meet the standards for nursing homes.

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