Vol. 476 No. 7
164 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, with his Department from the Midland Health Board to fund additional geriatric beds in Birr and Tullamore, County Offaly; if so, the status of such proposals; if a commitment will be made from his Department to fund these extra facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8365/97]
Limerick East): The provision of long-stay beds for the elderly in the Tullamore and Birr areas is a matter for the Midland Health Board.
Following the publication of the Health Strategy, the Midland Health Board developed its own strategy and action plan for health and social gain for the elderly. This plan considers the full range of services, namely, needs assessment, health promotion, care in the home, care in the community, housing, care in acute hospitals and care in long-stay institutions. The board's aim is to put in place a comprehensive package of services that ensures the elderly retain their independence, live in their own homes-community for as long as possible and have access to appropriate in-patient or long-stay care when they can no longer live at home or in the community. The board also identified the need for increased bed provision for the elderly in the Birr and Tullamore sectors.
