Nursing Home Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2017

Thursday, 28 September 2017

Questions (202)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he views the important role played by St. Brigid’s nursing home, Crooksling, in the provision of hospital care for women; if his attention has been drawn to the high quality of care available there, the dedication of the staff, the use of modern technology and equipment and the suitability of the peaceful, sylvan location of the hospital all contributing to the highest possible level of quality care; if he will ensure that this level of quality service continues at the location indefinitely having particular regard to the shortage of such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41175/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The long term beds provided by public nursing homes are an essential part of our infrastructure, and without them many older people would not have access to the care that they need. The standard of care delivered to residents in these units is generally very high, but we recognise that many of our public units are housed in buildings that are less than ideal in the modern context. For this reason the Capital Programme announced in January 2016 provides for the replacement and refurbishment of 90 public nursing homes across the country over the five year period from 2016 to 2021.

St. Brigid's Nursing Home, Crooksling has faced a number of challenges in recent years; the physical environment is unsuitable as a long-stay residence and works undertaken by the HSE at the home can only prolong its use on a short term basis. Under the five year programme, the Government is committed to delivering a new 100 bed Community Nursing Unit at Tymon North to provide long stay residential care.