Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

318. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the national community nursing unit programme between the Health Service Executive and the Health Information and Quality Authority; the implications for the Sacred Heart Hospital Roscommon; if the hospital is on the capital programme; an indicative date for the construction of the new 50-bed unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35687/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Public beds are a critical part of our overall residential bed capacity, particularly for high-dependency patients. Quality accommodation therefore is important in supporting the needs of those older people and people with a disability who require long term residential care.

On 29 September Minister Varadkar and I announced a €3bn investment package for health services over six years. The overall plan includes the development of Community Nursing Units for older people and new improved models of accommodation for people with a disability. The additional funding will, building upon the existing projects, allow for an enhanced programme to replace, upgrade and refurbish long term care facilities. This will significantly improve the standard of residential facilities and facilitate person centred care. The Department will work with the HSE to prioritise the available funding.

Discussions are ongoing between the HSE and HIQA about the conditions that will apply to public facilities across the country.