Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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833. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the implementation of Health Information and Quality Authority standards in community hospitals caring for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1127/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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All nursing homes are subject to the same core standards and regulations in relation to quality and safety in order to ensure the well-being of their residents. There are 32 Standards set in the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland. Each standard is supported by a number of criteria. These criteria are indicative rather than prescriptive, setting out how a service can be measured as to whether the standard is being met or not.

Standard 25 addresses the physical environment for all types of nursing homes. It should be noted that when the Standards were introduced in 2009 a distinction was made between new and existing facilities, indicating that, except in limited circumstances existing facilities should have no more than two residents per room, by 2015. The Chief Inspector has discretion to extend this timeframe. In contrast the criteria for all new builds, new extensions or first time registrations indicates that a minimum of 80% of residents should be accommodated in single rooms and that all bedrooms should have ensuite facilities.

In 2013 HIQA issued a regulatory notice to the nursing home sector in relation to the premises and physical environment of nursing homes. HIQA advised the sector that "where particular criteria regarding premises are not met in the Centre, the provider must provide clear evidence of the other ways by which they are reaching the Standard and must demonstrate to the Chief Inspector that these alternative arrangements are delivering on the Standard for each individual resident. In the case of Standard 25, the Chief Inspector will require substantial and exceptional justification for any premises which purports to meet Standard 25 without implementation of the individual criteria.” My Department in consultation with the HSE will keep the position under review.