Vol. 509 No. 6
374 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will report on the need to upgrade the facilities at Brú Chaoimhín Nursing Home, Cork Street, Dublin 8, in view of the fact that the same furniture has been in place for over fifteen years and there is no seating for the elderly residents in the garden. [21568/99]
As the Deputy will be aware, the facilities at Brú Chaoimhín Nursing Home are a matter in the first instance for the Eastern Health Board.
The chief executive officer of the Eastern Health Board has advised me that although the building is old, built in the early 19th century, the structure and interior have been maintained to a very high standard over the years. Continuous improvements have been made to the home in areas such as decor and fittings and furnishings to ensure that the home provides a quality service for older people. There is an ongoing phased painting and decorating programme in place for the entire home and particularly the ward areas.
There is also an ongoing equipment replacement programme in place for items such as beds, tables, lockers and chairs. Essential equipment to comply with modern safety standards has been purchased in recent times. Other areas specifically targeted for improvement include the shower areas, which is nearing completion, and a replacement double glazed windows programme which has been completed. In addition, a complete modernisation and refurbishment of the four patient lifts in the home is currently being carried out.
