Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
11 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason none of the 850 community nursing units promised by her predecessor in July 2002 is yet available; when it is expected that these beds will be available; the steps being taken to expedite delivery of the units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26319/04]
View answerThe provision of step-down services for people ready to be discharged from hospital is a key element in ensuring health services are matched exactly to patient needs. It is a priority to increase the availability of community nursing and other units that would meet the needs of people who need care that could not be adequately provided at home.
Work has been under way in the Department of Health and Children on a proposal for a public private partnership investment scheme for 850 community nursing units. There have also been discussions between my Department and the Department of Finance in the development of this PPP scheme, as is normal and entirely appropriate with PPP projects.
These are complex schemes and it is important to have a clear view of the benefits that will accrue given the complexity of the PPP contracting structure. The work that has been done so far has helped to clarify a number of issues. I intend to examine this project in detail very soon.
The objective set by my predecessor stands, that is, putting in place a large number of nursing units that will greatly help people make the transition from an acute hospital setting to care matched to their needs.
