Vol. 463 No. 1
32 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the progress, if any, that has been made in the provision of step down facilities for elderly patients being discharged from general hospitals; the identified needs of such step down facilities in the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5707/96]
Limerick East): The Eastern Health Board assure me that they are conscious of the need to provide additional facilities for the elderly and they are currently engaged in planning various new services for the elderly, including respite, convalescent, rehabilitation, long stay and day care.
Recent step down facilities for elderly patients who have completed the acute phase of their medical treatment, in Dublin, include the following: In January 1995 20 contract places in private nursing homes were reactivated; a 22 bed unit for the elderly was opened in Cherry Orchard Hospital in January 1995; in December 1995 40 contracted private nursing home places were reactivated; a 25 bed unit for the elderly was opened in Peamount Hospital in December 1995; in February 1996 a 46 bed community unit and day care unit was opened at the Navan Road to provide a range of services for elderly patients; and the provision of three additional community ward teams for the elderly.
