298 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a nursing home (details supplied) is being closed down; the efforts or meetings she has had or proposed with the Health Service Executive to discuss the matter and the problems attached to the closure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4449/09]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware Bethany House is a Welfare Home which opened in the 1970's. It is currently operating as a 30 bed unit, of which 28 beds are residential and 2 are respite. At present there are 25 long stay residents, with one long stay admission to the facility in the last six months.
An independent review carried out highlighted the lack of facilities to provide appropriate care and the home's inability to support high dependency patients. This inadequacy increases demands in terms of maintenance, standards and health and safety issues including infection control. Following this review the Executive decided that the 30 bed Bethany House Welfare Home is no longer able to provide appropriate services due to the increasing levels of dependencies of its patients.
I would like to reassure the Deputy that all 25 residents, in consultation with themselves and their families, will be relocated to better and safer facilities that are purpose built to cater for their health and well-being. The immediate next steps for the Executive are to consult with each resident, their families or representatives, to explain what options are available with a view to agreeing their preferences for relocation.
