Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2015
25. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on a commitment to fund the refurbishment of the Sacred Heart Hospital in Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36584/15]
View answerCommunity Nursing Units are an essential part of our national infrastructure of nursing homes and provide approximately 20% of the total stock of nursing home beds nationally.
Because of their age, many such units are housed in buildings that are less than ideal in the modern context, but notwithstanding this, the standard of care delivered to residents is generally of a very high standard.
Residents and their families frequently express their appreciation of the care that they receive and continue to choose such facilities, even when other alternatives are available.
On 29 September Minister Varadkar and I announced a €3bn investment package for health services over six years.
The overall plan includes €300m for the development of Community Nursing Units for older people and new improved models of accommodation for people with a disability. The additional funding will, building upon the existing projects, allow for an enhanced programme to replace, upgrade and refurbish long term care facilities. This will significantly improve the standard of residential facilities and facilitate person centred care.
The Department will work with the HSE to prioritise the use of the available funding having regard to the condition of nursing homes and their compliance with national standards.
