Hospital Accommodation Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 November 2012

Thursday, 29 November 2012

Questions (254)

Catherine Byrne

Question:

254. Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health if St James’ Hospital, Dublin intends to take over the new community nursing unit in Inchicore Hollybrook; if there is any legal impediment to the hospital running this unit and transferring long stay patients from the hospital to this unit; the implications this will this have for fair deal applicants who wish to be accommodated in Hollybrook; if 18% of the beds in Hollybrook will be allocated to people from the local community as promised by the Health Service Executive in 2008; if he will provide a date for the opening of this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53550/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

In view of the public sector moratorium and the significant additional reductions in staff numbers required over the next two years, the HSE is exploring all avenues available to it regarding the to opening of the community nursing unit at Inchicore. No decisions have been taken in relation to its future vis a vis St. James's Hospital at this stage, and all legal issues will have to be resolved before any decision is taken. In that context no timeline is available as yet.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme which commenced in 2009 contains a commitment to patient choice. A person who avails of the scheme may choose any public or approved private nursing home subject to the availability of a place and the suitability of the home to meet the person's care needs.

In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as they relate to operational matters they have been forwarded to the HSE for direct reply.