Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 573: To ask the Minister for Health the basis on which it is proposed to close Crooksling Hospital, County Dublin; if patients and staff are to be accommodated elsewhere; if alternative accommodation has been provided; the extent of any saving accruing in view of the fact that alternative accommodation is likely to be provided; if there are extra costs arising from the proposed closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35440/11]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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Question 628: To ask the Minister for Health the projected savings from the closure of a nursing home (details supplied) in view of the fact that more than 70% of the cost is staff wages and salaries and all the staff are apparently being redeployed. [35979/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 573 and 628 together.

The nursing home in question was established in 1959. It was originally a Tuberculosis clinic opened in 1935. There are 80 residents currently at the facility. There is also a day centre at the front of the main building providing a service to older persons from the local community. The HSE completed a survey of the physical infrastructure, mechanical services installations and water & drainage services at the Unit and found substantial issues and deficits in these areas. It is estimated that it would cost almost €3m to carry out the essential works to address these issues. However these works would not ensure compliance with National Quality Standards.

The HSE decided to close St Brigid's and transfer the majority of services to the new modern purpose built unit at Hollybrook Community Nursing Unit at Inchicore. The new CNU at Inchicore has a total capacity of 50 beds . It has not been opened to date due to the current constraints on staffing.

As capacity of the new CNU is less than that at St Brigid's the proposal also envisages that some staff and residents will transfer to other public units. This will provide the HSE with an opportunity to reopen beds that are closed at these facilities. Selection of an alternative placement for residents will be informed by the medical and care needs of each resident as evaluated by clinical staff. It is important to emphasise that no resident will be placed in a more costly financial position because of the move.

The day-care services at St. Brigid's are used by approximately 18 people daily from Monday to Friday. Part of the relocation plan will include the placement of these clients in alternative day centres suitable for their needs in their local areas.

Ongoing consultation will continue to take place with residents, their families, staff, representative organisations and public representatives. The Deputy will be aware that the Health Service Executive has sole operational responsibility for the delivery of health and social services, including those at this facility. Accordingly, the aspect of the Deputies queries concerning the extent of any saving accruing or extra costs arising from the proposed closure has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.