Vol. 435 No. 9
228 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the frequent changing of staff at a home (details supplied) in County Kildare, which is having a detrimental effect on the residents; the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that arrangements are made to avoid the frequent staff changes referred to; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is assumed that the Deputy's question refers to the new service for people with a mental handicap in Maynooth. This unit is a highly specialised facility consisting of 5 houses providing residential care for 22 people with a mental handicap who were also behaviourally disturbed. The unit is staffed by 18 nurses and 19 care staff and provides a 24 hour service. Consequently there is some rotation of staff due to the level of care provided and the special needs of the residents. Since the unit opened over a year ago, three staff have left the service and have been replaced. The rotation of staff and the level of staff turnover is in line with the position which applies in other units providing a similar service.
I would like to assure the Deputy that this facility provides an excellent service for a group of people who moved from inappropriate accommodation on the campus of a psychiatric hospital to a much more homely and appropriate service. I understand that all the people concerned are adapting very well to their new surroundings.
