Vol. 493 No. 3
260 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to sanction funding for the provision of long-stay geriatric beds in a hospital (details supplied) in County Mayo to enable pensioners to stay nearer their families. [15646/98]
As the Deputy is aware, the provision of extended care facilities for older people in Mayo is a matter for the Western Health Board. I am advised by the board that the needs of the older population in the Belmullet area are currently being examined with a view to establishing the appropriate mix of services and resource needs, based on the existing residential facilities, namely the district hospital and community nursing unit. The board has indicated that the accommodation in these facilities does not presently lend itself towards the care of long-stay older people and the possibility of carrying out some adaptations is one which will be considered for inclusion in the board's overall priorities for the development of services for older people.
The question of providing capital funding towards the adaptation work will be fully considered by my Department when proposals in this regard are received from the Western Health Board.
The question of providing capital funding towards the adaptation work will be fully considered by my Department when proposals in this regard are received from the Western Health Board.
