Written answers

Thursday, 14 February 2013

Department of Health

Care of the Elderly

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health the degree to which he will continue to support public sector nursing homes and hospitals caring for older persons in view of the high quality of service available to the public sector, notwithstanding competition from the private sector; if he will ensure that the application of standards by the Health Information and Quality Authority of Ireland are not used as a means to increase the costs in the public sector over the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8041/13]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Both myself and my colleague, the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly are committed to the provision of a public nursing home service. At the request of the Minister, the HSE has reviewed the status of its long stay nursing homes, focusing on areas such as ability to meet HIQA standards, environmental issues including age and structure, and location. This review will inform the formulation by the HSE, in collaboration with my Department, of a comprehensive proposal on this issue for the Minister’s consideration.

This Government is committed to enhancing the quality of life of older people, maintaining their full potential, supporting them in their homes and communities, providing access to respite care and day care and, when required, providing access to appropriate quality long-term residential care. Our system of regulation and inspection for the nursing home sector was established for the sole purpose of ensuring safety and quality of care for residents and the National Quality Standards that the Deputy refers to are a key component in ensuring this. All nursing homes for older people, whether public, private or voluntary, are subject to the same core standards in relation to quality and safety.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will review the position at St Bridget’s Nursing Home, Crooksling, County Dublin with a view to increasing the number of patients there in line with previous levels and that daycare and community service will continue to be supported in line with tradition given the strong community support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8042/13]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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St. Brigid’s Nursing Home, Crooksling was registered as a designated centre for older people by the Health Information and Quality Authority on 25 June 2012.

Prior to registration, significant remedial works were carried out at St. Brigid’s to meet fire safety requirements. The Deputy will be aware that the upper units were closed as HSE considered them not to be in a good infrastructural condition.

The HSE has confirmed that 66 beds will remain at present in the newly upgraded lower units and where vacancies arise they will be filled to maintain this capacity. Of these 66 beds, 5 provide a respite service. In addition, day care is provided to an average of 20 patients per day Monday to Friday.

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