Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 4

Written Answers. - Nursery Home Sale.

Derek McDowell

Question:

153 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the decision by the Midland Health Board to sell the Consolation Nursing Home, Tullamore, County Offaly; whether the terms and conditions of sale include guarantees of continuation in residence for existing patients or patients resident prior to the purchase of the home by the health board; if the terms and conditions of sale include controls on future charges for existing residents; if he has satisfied himself with the level of ongoing consultation between the health board and the residents and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16379/97]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

I am informed by the Midland Health Board that the board, at its September meeting, approved the sale of the Consolation Nursing Home to a private purchaser. The home was sold as a going concern and the purchaser was advised of the financial arrangements in relation to existing patients. I understand that the conditions of sale include a clause that 18 of the 22 places are occupied — 18 being the number of existing residents who were resident in the home at the time the board acquired the premises.

The board assures me that there has been full consultation with the patients and their relatives regarding the sale of the home. The board appointed a former superintendent public health nurse to liaise with the patients and their relatives and I understand that this has proven to be most effective in dealing with any concerns they may have.

As the Consolation Nursing Home continues to operate as a private nursing home, it comes within the ambit of the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990, and thus must operate within the regulations applicable under this Act. I understand that the payment of subventions by the board in respect of qualifing residents will continue.