Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2012
335. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he has been apprised of developments at Crooksling Nursing Home County Dublin resulting in a reduction in patient numbers despite the availability of adequate staffing levels; the restrictions of patient intake and other measures of a slow but inexorable nature which eventually will damage the efficiency and efficacy of the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49223/12]
View answerSt. Brigid’s Nursing Home, Crooksling was registered as a designated centre for older people by the Health Information and Quality Authority on 25 June 2012.
Prior to registration, significant remedial works were carried out at St. Brigid’s to meet fire safety requirements. The HSE has confirmed that 66 beds will remain at present in the newly upgraded lower units and it will be possible to use these units in the short term while complying with the current HIQA standards. St. Brigid’s will continue to admit long term care patients as vacancies arise, to maintain this current bed complement. The Deputy will be aware that the upper units were closed as HSE considered them not to be in a good infrastructural condition. In addition, in-patient respite care and day care services are continuing to be provided at St. Brigid’s.
Finally I would like to assure the Deputy should there be a concern for the future of any public nursing home, the HSE will engage fully in a local consultation process with all stakeholders before any decision is taken.
