Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2015
681. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health when a timed and costed plan will be completed for the development required to bring Raheen Community Hospital into compliance with Health Information and Quality Authority standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11836/15]
View answerAll public residential units providing long term residential care are currently registered with the Health Information and Quality Authority. The majority of these units are due to be re-registered during 2015. The Health Service Executive is working with HIQA around ensuring all units will be in a position to re-register.
The following information was provided under Standing Order 40A
Between 2006 and 2014 about €550m exchequer capital funding has been provided for community nursing units and other accommodation for Services for Older People. Currently HSE is concentrating on refurbishment and upgrading of facilities.
It is important to recognise that publicly-run facilities provide bed capacity which is critically needed by older people, particularly by those with high or complex care needs for whom public facilities are often the only place that can meet their needs.
The HSE has been working with HIQA over the past number of months to meet the re-registration requirements of these units. These discussions are ongoing and there is adequate flexibility available within the terms of existing legislative provisions, and through ongoing discussions between the HSE and HIQA, for solutions to be found. My Department is also in regular contact with the HSE on this issue.
Raheen Community Hospital, which currently registered to accommodate a maximum of 25 residents in 15 long stay and 10 short stay beds, will be due for re-registration in May 2015. The HSE intends to make the necessary renovations to achieve compliance with HIQA environmental standards. The investment will be spent over the coming years and detailed plans are being finalised at present. When these plans are finalised the position will be discussed with HIQA.
