Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2015
179. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a specific timeframe and commitment in respect of when updated cost of care figures for public nursing units will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6373/15]
View answer180. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason there is lack of transparency in respect of the cost of care under the nursing home support scheme, in respect of public nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6374/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 180 together.
Currently the HSE is undergoing a process of the review of all costs associated with both long stay and short stay care services across the public system. This review is informed by the work of service improvement teams who have been examining the service type, costs associated with its provision, and the element of quality and safety, as required under the residential care standards. The teams are providing analysis, assessments and recommendations on any improvements that are required. This work is ongoing and leading to actions that are embedded in terms of good practice and value for money.
Under the auspices of Haddington Road and the Joint Oversight Group, there is also a task group in place for the purposes of examining the costs of services that are being provided, particularly linked to staffing levels and skill mix in public services. The task group has representatives from the HSE, the INMO, SIPTU and INAD. This ongoing piece of work is set to conclude in the coming weeks and make recommendations to the Joint Oversight Group with regards to these particular issues. It is hoped that agreement can be reached, and this can be implemented in the course of 2015.
Therefore, in this context the HSE intends to publish its revised costs of care later in the year as the work comes to finality and the staffing and skill mix requirements are being implemented.
