Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

476. To ask the Minister for Health further to the advice from NPHET on the removal of mandatory Covid-19 restrictions from 28 February 2022, if the Keltoi residential addiction unit, St. Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park will be reopened. [12355/22]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Keltoi facility was identified for use as an isolation facility for marginalised and vulnerable people during COVID-19 in Community Healthcare Organisation 9.

There are significant numbers of homeless and addiction service users in this area, particularly in Dublin North City and County. The area also has a high migrant health population living in overcrowded accommodation and quarantine accommodation.

It is important to state that all these cohorts have specific challenges and that they need individualised supports to be put in place if they are Covid positive, as they cannot isolate in their existing accommodation on public health grounds.

The HSE has advised that there is still a very significant ongoing demand for isolation in this facility and that it will be maintained as a Covid Isolation Facility under review by HSE CHO9 Public Health Department on a monthly basis.

The HSE has assured me that the use of this facility as a Covid-19 response is being reviewed on an ongoing basis in line with national guidance.

I am happy to confirm that the HSE remain committed to enhancing the residential addiction services in this area including the reopening of the Keltoi facility once it is no longer required as part of the Covid-19 response.

It is vital that individuals receiving rehabilitation services from Keltoi are supported to continue their recovery path. I welcome that fact that the Keltoi counselling staff based in the HSE Stanhope Centre, are continuing to provide appropriate support services to clients under the Keltoi aftercare programme.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

477. To ask the Minister for Health the weekly number of residential patients with Covid-19 at the social inclusion Covid isolation facility temporarily located at the Keltoi residential addiction unit, St. Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park from 1 January 2022 to the end of February 2022, inclusive in tabular form. [12356/22]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.