Vol. 566 No. 1
511 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether there is a need for a nursing home in the Tallaght area, Dublin 24; if he will note the strong demand in that regard with many families having to access facilities outside Tallaght; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12161/03]
Responsibility for the provision of health services in Tallaght is a matter for the South Western Area Health Board, SWAHB, operating under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has been informed by the ERHA that the projected demographic profile for the area shows an increasing population of older people. This undoubtedly will give rise to increased demands for continuing care beds in the area. It is not possible, however, at this stage to advise of specific needs in the Tallaght area.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department recently announced the development of nine new community nursing units through the public private partnership initiative for the ERHA area. Three of these units are to be located in the SWAHB area. The proposed locations are Cherry Orchard Hospital, Brú Chaoimhín and either St. Loman's Hospital or St Brigid's Home, Crooksling. It is proposed that 50 beds will be provided in each of these units. Business advisers for these projects have been appointed and the next phase is the preparation of a business case for submission to my Department and the Department of Finance.
