Written answers

Wednesday, 21 January 2015

Department of Health

Community Care Provision

Photo of Brian StanleyBrian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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11. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the public consultation on the future of Abbeyleix and Sahaan hospitals; the decisions by the Health Service Executive or his Department regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2351/15]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The HSE seeks to manage all of its residential facilities in a way that maximises efficiency and the application of available resources. It must also maintain standards and provide a high quality service to its residents.

In this context all such facilities are subject to standards which are set and supervised by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). Many HSE facilities, particularly older facilities, face significant challenges in this context, and engagement between HIQA and the HSE is ongoing to address the issues arising.

In 2012 the HSE launched a public consultation process regarding a proposal to consolidate the number of public nursing units in the Midlands. At the time almost 100 submissions were received and over 60 meetings took place with interested parties, 55 of which were with residents and next of kin.

The HSE is in the course of considering all of the available relevant information with a view to finalising a recommendation in relation to St. Brigid's Hospital, Shaen and Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit.

Abbeyleix CNU currently has 19 beds, 7 of which are occupied by long stay residents, the reminder being short stay and respite. The HSE is no longer admitting clients to long stay beds, but the respite service remains open to new clients subject to availability. There are 16 beds occupied at St. Brigid's Hospital, Shaen, 13 of these are for continuing care and 3 are for respite. The HSE are no longer admitting clients for either service.

The Department awaits the HSE's recommendations in respect of both facilities and an announcement will be made as soon as possible once the HSE’s definitive position is received.

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