Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
786 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans there are to reduce the number of long stay beds at the Plunkett Home, Boyle, County Roscommon by 25; the future plans for this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21620/04]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in Roscommon is a matter for the Western Health Board in the first instance. The board has advised my Department that it has invested significantly over the last two years in the upgrading of the Plunkett Home in Boyle and staffing levels have also been increased. The upgrading has consisted of the renovating of bedrooms and bathrooms, in addition, a palliative care suite has been developed at the hospital. The total cost of capital development at the unit was €428,000.
The board has further advised my Department that it has not made any decision in relation to a reduction in bed numbers at the home, that agreement has been reached with the unions in regard to the appointment of staff to facilitate the opening of the palliative care unit, and that it is currently in the process of recruiting staff for the new unit.
787 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the action he intends to take to support polio survivors; if he will establish a committee to look into the issues surrounding this condition and to address access to aids, appliances and respite care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21621/04]
View answerThe provision of health services to people with physical and sensory disabilities, including polio survivors, is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards. My Department met the post polio support group in 2002 and discussed a number of issues, including the possibility of setting up a high level committee to look into the issues surrounding this condition. While it is not deemed appropriate to establish such a committee, my Department undertook to investigate a number of issues which were raised and has been in contact with the group in this regard.
In accordance with the commitment in Sustaining Progress, my Department will be conducting a strategic review of existing service provision for people with disabilities. Questions of access to aids and appliances and respite care which have been raised by the Post Polio Support Group will be examined as part of that review.
