I am aware that the Strokestown Community Enterprise Group are campaigning to have a community based nursing home provided in Strokestown. The provision of an adequate number of extended are beds for the elderly in Co. Roscommon is a matter for the Western Health Board.
The number of extended care beds for the elderly recommended in the report The Years Ahead — A policy for the Elderly is ten beds per 1,000 elderly. This figure is dependent on also having 2.5 assessment beds per 1,000 elderly in specialist departments of geriatric medicine in general hospitals and three beds per 1,000 elderly for rehabilitation in general or community hospitals.
There are 290 extended care beds in County Roscommon, giving a ratio of 34 beds per 1,000 elderly in the county. This ratio does not suggest that there is a shortage of extended care beds for the elderly in County Roscommon.
The Western Health Board's plans for the development of services for the elderly include the provision of a home for the elderly in Strokestown. A site has been purchased but the Deputy will appreciate that before proceeding to develop the home, the board must take account of the capital funds at its disposal and the capital priorities of the region.
