Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
142 Mr. Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding additional beds for the elderly at a hospital (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28794/04]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, responsibility for the provision of health services in the Cork area rests with the Southern Health Board in the first instance. A design team comprising representatives of the board and my Department has been appointed for this project and it is proceeding with the detailed design of phase 2 of the development. The development will consist of a new 30 bed unit to replace existing patient accommodation at the hospital and ensure that the environment for both patients and staff is improved.
143 Mr. Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding additional beds for the elderly at a hospital (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28795/04]
View answerI assume that the Deputy is referring to the proposed 50 bed community nursing unit, CNU, at Mount Alvernia Hospital, Mallow, which is one of the locations identified by the Southern Health Board, SHB, for the pilot public private partnership, PPP, project. The CNU will provide respite, convalescence, long stay and rehabilitation services, to elderly patients in the north Cork area.
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. There have been discussions between my Department and the Department of Finance in the development of this PPP scheme, as is normal and entirely appropriate with a PPP project. As PPPs are complex schemes 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 proposed facility will greatly help people make the transition from an acute hospital setting to care matched to their needs.
