I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 709 together.
These are challenging times for the Health Service Executive in respect of all services. In the case of Community Nursing Units, these include challenges regarding staffing, funding and the age and structure of its units. For 2013 the quantum and type of health services to be delivered within the available funding has been set out in the HSE National Service Plan. Minister Reilly approved and laid a copy of the Plan before both Houses of the Oireachtas earlier this year.
If it becomes necessary for an older person to move to a nursing home, their safety and well–being is of paramount concern. We have to ensure that the highest standards of care are provided to all residents in a safe and secure environment, and that we meet the needs of those who require our services in the very best way possible. I believe that patient safety and quality assurance in nursing homes is secured by setting quality standards, reinforced by Regulations that specify how the best services possible can be delivered in an effective and appropriate way. The National Quality Standards referred to by the Deputy apply to all nursing homes, both public and private.
Recent capital investment has brought about a significant improvement in the standard of facilities across all care programmes including Services for Older People.
Between 2006 and 2012 approximately €508m capital funding was invested in infrastructure, including CNUs, which supports the delivery of Services for Older People. In order to comply on an on-going basis with regulatory requirements, the HSE is now concentrating on the refurbishment and upgrade of existing accommodation. Accommodation which requires the least investment to comply with the regulatory requirements will be refurbished first. This will achieve the greatest number of compliant beds for the available funding.
Any capital development must be considered in the context of the multi-annual HSE capital programme which is developed over a rolling five year period. In drawing up its capital programme, the HSE is required to prioritise capital infrastructure within its overall capital funding allocation, taking into account the programme’s capital commitments and costs of completion over the multi-annual period. It is essential to assess all projects, other than those where existing contractual commitments are in place, on their merits to ensure that the limited capital funding available goes to those developments which are of highest national importance.
Both myself and my colleague, Minister Reilly are committed to the provision of a quality public nursing home service. Our overall objective is to protect the viability of as many units as possible, within the funding and staffing resources available. The Department is working closely with the HSE to develop an overall plan regarding future public provision for the Minister’s consideration. The plan will reflect regional need and have regard to the current severe financial constraints, restrictions on public sector staffing and recruitment and the on-going need to meet service and safety standards; all of which pose challenges for community nursing units across the country.