Nursing Home Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2012

Wednesday, 19 December 2012

Questions (198)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

198. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the ability of St Brigid’s Nursing Home, Crooksling, County Dublin to accommodate up to 120 patients; that such numbers have been accommodated there in the past and that with very little upgrading and very little cost the same capacity remains; if he will ensure that Health Information Quality Authority reports and guidelines in respect of safety standards are not used as a self-fulfilling prophecy towards reduction of patients capacity; if he will further ensure the continued provision of adequate resources to maximise the capability of the nursing home with adequate staff in the future [57328/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

St. 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 Deputy will be aware that the upper units were closed as HSE considered them not to be in a good infrastructural condition.

The HSE has confirmed that 66 beds will remain at present in the newly upgraded lower units and where vacancies arise they will be filled to maintain this capacity. 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.