Care of the Elderly

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2011

Tuesday, 27 September 2011

Questions (547, 548)

Simon Harris

Question:

580 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the serious staffing shortage at a public nursing home (details supplied) in County Wicklow which has led to the temporary closure of the facility; the number of staff currently working at this facility; the number of staff currently on temporary and long-term sick leave; the measures the Health Service Executive will take to reduce staff sick leave; when he expects the facility to re-open for new respite care admissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26415/11]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Simon Harris

Question:

581 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the alternative arrangements he and the Health Service Executive will introduce to provide respite care services for elderly patients in County Wicklow while a public nursing facility (details supplied) in the county remains closed due to staffing shortages; if patients who have not received their scheduled respite care as a result of this facility’s closure will receive their full allocation of respite care at a later date this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26416/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.