Nursing Home Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2010

Wednesday, 29 September 2010

Questions (629)

Phil Hogan

Question:

715 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concern expressed by residents of community homes regarding the interpretation of the Nursing Home Act and the role of Health Information and Quality Assurance in respect of those homes which will lead to additional expenditure by the management of the accommodation and the request of the Health Service Executive to de-list those homes from the register of inspection in view of their satisfaction at the quality and standard of care being offered under the present inspection regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33074/10]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)

I understand the Deputy is referring to specific facilities providing residential care in the HSE Southern region. The Health Act, 2007 provides for the registration and inspection of nursing homes, both private and public. The Act assigns responsibility for the registration and inspection function to the independent chief inspector of social services, part of the Health Information and Quality Authority. It is a matter for the chief inspector to decide whether certain facilities meet the definition of a designated centre and are therefore subject to this regime.

While I am aware that the HSE has written directly to the authority I have not received any request to have the facilities the Deputy is referring to de-listed.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a review of the Regulations will begin shortly. The Department will bear in mind issues raised, including issues specific to this type of residential facility, in the context of this review.