Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 October 2017
133. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health if he has included the cost of refurbishment of the Maynooth community care unit, Maynooth, County Kildare regarding projects to be considered under the mid-term capital review; if the refurbishment costs estimated at €1 million will be met from the existing capital funding; when a decision on funding is likely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43306/17]
View answerMany public units are housed in buildings that are less than ideal in the modern context, but notwithstanding this, the care delivered to residents is generally of a very high standard. It is important therefore that we upgrade our public bed stock and this is the aim of the 5 year Capital Investment Programme for Community Nursing Units which was announced last year. This provides the framework to allow for an enhanced programme to replace, upgrade and refurbish these care facilities, as appropriate. Significant work was undertaken to determine the most optimum scheduling of projects within the phased provision of funding to achieve compliance with National Standards. Maynooth Community Care Unit is not included under this programme.
I understand that the potential to refurbish Maynooth is being considered by the HSE at present and I further understand that there are no indications that beds will be closed. I have asked the Health Service Executive to provide further information to the Deputy in respect of the unit in question.
