Ciarán Cuffe
Question:503 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to reopen the Grove Hospital in Tuam. [15303/03]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
Following the closure by the Bon Secours Order of the Grove Hospital in Tuam, the Western Health Board, which is responsible, in the first instance, for the provision of health services in the Tuam area, took a decision to build a new 50-bed community hospital on the grounds and adjoining land. This new hospital will comprise a mix of up to 30 beds for continuing care and the remaining 30 beds made up by direct access beds, rehabilitation/convalescent, respite and palliative care beds. In line with what is generally provided in the board's district hospitals, the service will have a very significant mix of multi-disciplinary staff, including medical, nursing, nursing support, para-medical, as well as other complementary therapists. Coupled with this, the board would envisage the Tuam Hospital functioning at the hub of a comprehensive outreach service, providing home care programmes, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropody, home nursing, home help, as well as other flexible packages of care. These specialist care services will be supported by social support services such as community welfare and home advisory programmes. This project does not, therefore, envisage the re-opening of the old hospital for nursing care purposes.
The planning brief submitted by the Western health Board is still being considered in the con text of national development plan funding available to my Department and the board.
Question No. 504 answered with Question No. 493.