Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
208 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 786 of 29 September 2004, if the board has made a decision on the reduction in bed numbers; if this decision is being postponed until the health executive is appointed; the future plans for this facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31128/04]
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 past two years in the upgrading of the Plunkett Home in Boyle and staffing levels have also been increased. The upgrading 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 on the reduction in bed numbers at the home, that agreement has been reached with the unions on 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 it.
