Written answers

Friday, 16 September 2016

Department of Health

Care of the Elderly

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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1255. To ask the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in progressing the previous Government's plans for a 100-bed unit at Connolly hospital for older and infirm patients; if he is aware of the recent census data confirming the significant population growth of such patients and the dearth of nursing home beds on the northside of Dublin and of home care packages; the capital allocation for the project; the estimated completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25477/16]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The beds provided by public nursing homes are an essential part of our healthcare infrastructure, and without them many older people would not have access to the care that they need. These beds will continue to be very much needed over the coming years as the number of older people increases in line with demographic trends. It is therefore essential that they are put on a sustainable footing and that the fabric of the buildings from which they operate is modernised and improved.

The Capital Programme announced earlier this year provides for the replacement and refurbishment of 90 public nursing homes across the country over the next five years. Significant work was undertaken by the HSE in determining the most appropriate scheduling of projects over the five-year period from 2016 to 2021, within the phased provision of funding, to achieve compliance and registration with HIQA.

Under this Capital Programme it is proposed to deliver a 100 bed CNU at Connolly Hospital by 2021. This will replace 40 existing beds where the physical environment requires significant improvement. The additional 60 beds to be provided will assist in addressing the future needs of the catchment area. All healthcare infrastructure developments, including this development, must comply with DPER Guidelines and EU Directives and will require a lead-in time to complete the various stages. This includes appraisal, project brief, design feasibility, detailed design, some of which may overlap, finalisation of financing and review of costing estimates.

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