Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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678. To ask the Minister for Health the plans the Health Service Executive have to build a new community nursing unit in Waterford to replace beds lost due to the closure of St Bridget's Ward at St Patrick's Hospital in Waterford [3511/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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This Government’s policy is to support older people to live with dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Where this is not feasible, the health service supports access to quality long-term residential care where this is appropriate. The Health Service Executive continues to develop and improve health services in all regions of the country ensuring quality and patient safety.

Prior to 2009, the provision of a community residential care facility at St Patrick’s was included in the capital construction projects. However, as a consequence of the economic downturn and the resulting substantial reduction in the capital funding available for the health service construction programme it was not been possible to deliver this or other projects.

In 2012, the HSE reviewed its long stay bed complement and developed Viability Plans. In 2013 priority locations for funding were identified. As regards this project the HSE has undertaken a Historic Building Assessment Report and also has completed a Development Control Plan. The project now proposed is a 100 bed Community Nursing Unit (CNU) to be built on the St Patrick’s campus, to replace existing accommodation in both St Patrick’s and St Otteran’s. The HSE is in the process of appointing a number of design teams for a variety of projects including this CNU which will enable building design, statutory approvals and tender documents be completed.

As with all capital projects this project must be considered within the overall capital envelope available to the health service. There will always be more construction projects than can be funded by the Exchequer. The method and timescale for the delivery of health care infrastructure is a dynamic process which is constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances, including the feasibility of implementation. There is limited funding available for new projects over the period 2014-2018 given the level of commitments and the costs to completion already in place.

The HSE has submitted to my Department its draft Capital Plan for the multi-annual five year period 2014-2018. My Department is reviewing the proposals and following up where further details may be required. The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.