Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 588: To ask the Minister for Health when restrictions on admissions at the rehabilitation unit of a care centre (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26931/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Health Service Executive has operational responsibility for the delivery of health and social services, including those at facilities such as the one referred to the Deputy in Westmeath. I understand from the question that the HSE has responded to the Deputy on the issue raised and I am not able to say when these restrictions will be lifted.

From a national perspective 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 for Longford-Westmeath, 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 reviewing the provision of public residential care in the light of the need to meet national standards and regulations, local demographic pressures and public and private provision. The review will serve for a platform for discussion and will inform the development of an overall strategy on how the HSE should continue to provide this service in future in view of current budgetary and other pressures. The review must also be seen in the light of the wider health reform programme to which the Government is committed, and the position of social care services in a future health service. 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.