Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive west intend to close a nursing home (detail supplied) in County Galway as a residential facility notwithstanding the unanimous motions adopted by both Galway City Council and the Regional Health Forum West to keep it open; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that more than 13,000 persons have signed a petition calling on him and the HSE to keep this home open, that the Health Information and Quality Authority confirmed amongst other findings that HIQA inspectors were satisfied that residents nursing, medical and other health care needs were met and that the primary difficulty was lack of sufficient staff as well as the absence of sufficient en suite facilities, that the refurbishment costs are estimated at €200,000, that the most recent report to the health forum from University Hospital Galway indicates that 33 acute beds in UHG are currently occupied by vulnerable elderly patients who should be in nursing homes; if he will confirm that he will inquire into the situation as a matter of urgency and further confirm that the HSE west will not close the facility in view of the urgent need for nursing home needs in Galway. [26658/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Deputy's question refers to a public nursing home in Galway. In 2010, the Health Service Executive completed a review of the future viability of the facility as a long stay residential unit. The review recognised that significant refurbishment and a new design of the facility was required. This included extra showering and toilet facilities, single rooms, family room and storage to meet current standards. Aside from the cost, the HSE considered that the changes would also have resulted in a very significant reduction in bed numbers at the facility. Following the review the HSE decided to discontinue providing residential services at the unit.

On 14th September 2010 the HSE stopped taking in new referrals and it announced the intention to develop an enhanced day care service for older people in the current building once the residential service element came to an end. At the time there were 28 residents in the facility, now there are 19 residents. The HSE's intention is that a day care service, operated over an extended six days per week, would be very valuable in the context of maintaining older people in their own homes for as long as possible. The Executive is currently developing the detail of this plan with the staff in the unit and their representatives.

The Executive anticipate that residential services will come to an end at the facility by the middle of 2012 and has advised the Health Information and Quality Authority accordingly. The HSE is committed to a detailed communication process with the residents, their families and staff.

The Deputy will appreciate that all developments have to be addressed in the light of the current economic and budgetary pressures and any decisions taken by the Executive must have regard to this and the current moratorium on the recruitment of nursing and non-nursing staff. Each HSE area, including the Local Health Office in Galway has been asked to make a rigorous examination of how existing funding might be re-allocated to ensure maximum service provision. In particular we need to ensure that the highest standard of care will continue to be provided to all residents in a safe and secure environment.

The Department is currently considering the future of HSE Provision of Residential Care for Older People. This review will consider the position of all HSE residential facilities for Older People in terms of meeting the National Standards and Regulations. It will also consider local demographic pressures and the extent of existing public and private provision, with a view to developing an overall strategy on how the Executive should continue to provide this service in view of current budgetary and other pressures. I should make it clear, however, that, providing quality and safe care for our long stay residents will have to remain at the heart of these considerations.

Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Health the progress being made on waiting lists for counselling for survivors of child sexual abuse in view of the fact that in Waterford, families are being faced with a wait of at least one year for such services; if resources will be prioritised to tackle this backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26661/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.