Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
587. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if there are longer-term plans to bring the vacant units in Cherry Orchard Hospital back into use in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17427/24]
View answerAs Minister for Mental Health and Older People I take the health and safety of residents in long-term residential care facilities very seriously. I will not ignore a directive from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) stating that there is a fire and safety risk in any facility.
In May 2023, a HIQA inspection identified concerns in relation to the flooring in both the Sycamore and Willow Units at Cherry Orchard Hospital. These presented a significant potential health and safety risk. A subsequent HSE review indicated that the flooring has underlying structural issues which require immediate remedial work.
After due consideration by the HSE, the most expedient option is to close both Units and relocate the residents to Clondalkin Lodge, which is a private nursing home, on a temporary basis while the necessary structural works are completed. It is expected that the works will take a minimum of 12 months to complete.
The HSE are working closely with the residents and their families to ensure that the transfer of residents to an alternative nursing home causes as little distress and disruption as possible.
When these extensive remedial structural works are complete, all residents will move back to the Cherry Orchard site.
As your query in respect of the remaining units at Cherry Orchard Hospital relates to operational matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
