I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 113 together.
The overarching policy of the Government is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. The standard of care delivered to residents in public units is generally very high, but we recognise that many of our community hospitals are housed in buildings that are less than ideal in the modern context. It is important therefore that we upgrade our public bed stock and this is the aim of the Capital Investment Programme for Community Nursing Units.
The HSE is responsible for the delivery of health and personal social services, including the facilities at St. Joseph’s Community Hospital, Stranorlar, Ramelton Community Hospital and Lifford Community Hospital, Donegal. The HSE has advised the following in relation to these facilities.
The Community Nursing Unit programme provides for the retention of services at St. Joseph’s Community Hospital, Stranorlar and Ramelton Community Hospital with a requirement for refurbishment of both centres.
In the short term the HSE will invest minor capital in both units in 2019 and 2020 in order to deal with HIQA compliance issues and an agreed schedule of works is being finalised with HIQA.
The redevelopment of the Lifford unit on the existing site is not deemed viable. The need for additional beds and the potential to develop a new facility on a greenfield site will be reviewed further post 2021. The existing unit at Lifford will continue to operate in the intervening period.
