Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 625: To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider the facts of a matter concerning a health care facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; if he will take action to resolve issues threatening the future of this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34633/11]

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

Valentia Community Hospital is a voluntary facility which has a service level agreement with the HSE under section 39 of the Health Act 2009. The legislation underpinning the Nursing Homes Support Scheme requires all private nursing homes and voluntary nursing homes which previously received funding under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004 to negotiate and agree a price for the cost of care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) should they wish to participate in the scheme. This is a necessary feature of the scheme due to the commitment by the State to meet the full balance of the cost of care over and above a person's contribution.

The NTPF has statutory responsibility for the negotiation of prices with private and voluntary nursing homes. The NTPF is independent in the performance of this function and, in carrying it out, it must ensure value for money for both the individual and the State. The NTPF negotiates with each nursing home individually and may examine the records and accounts of nursing homes as part of the process. This method of negotiation is necessary in order to ensure that the State obtains the best value for each individual in a nursing home and to comply with competition law.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme only applies to long-term nursing home care. Valentia Hospital can continue to have separate agreements with the HSE for the provision of other services, e.g. respite, day care and convalescence. There have been ongoing discussions between the Board of Management of Valentia Community Health and Welfare Association Ltd. and the HSE with regards to future service provision. In addition, the Minister for Health met with a delegation from Valentia Hospital in June. Following the meeting, the HSE is continuing to engage with the Board of Management with regard to the future of the service.