Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
1048. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health his views on the current provision of only three neuro-rehabilitative beds; if he is satisfied with the current waiting period of over a year to access one of these beds, with a maximum usage period of only three months; the basis on which the provision of three beds was decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13126/14]
View answerThe National Rehabilitation Hospital is currently resourced for 3 beds for patients with highly complex care needs, for example patients who are minimally conscious or have a disorder of consciousness. The level of resources needed to provide for the complex care and treatment needs of this patient group is significantly higher than for patients who have a certain level of mobility or independence. The treatment of these patients can often be extended beyond the normal length of stay. The National Rehabilitation Hospital actively manages the waiting time for admission to the high intensity rehabilitation beds.
The Government has committed to part funding a 120 Bed Rehabilitation Unit with Integrated Therapy spaces to replace the existing National Rehabilitation Hospital, at an estimated total cost of €54 million. In the past couple of years an additional four new Consultants in Rehabilitation Medicine were appointed to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in addition to the existing seven Consultants at the hospital.
The HSE has made commitments in the 2014 Operational Plan to progressing the implementation of the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy. A Steering Group has been established to guide the implementation of the Strategy and to ensure adequate links with the Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine Programme.
