Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
740. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he, his Department and the HSE will engage with an organisation (details supplied) to address the issues and concerns raised in the Wasted Lives report published by Ombudsman in May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6519/22]
View answerThe Ombudsman’s Report ‘Wasted Lives’ looks at the appropriateness of the placement of people under 65 in nursing homes.
We know that nursing homes are an appropriate care option where the person concerned has a clinically assessed complex medical and social care requirement which cannot be supported in the person’s home. However, for some people under the age of 65 nursing homes are not an appropriate placement and alternative, more sustainable supported living solutions are needed to give them greater independence and choice in their daily lives.
There is a clear Government commitment to reduce and provide a pathway to eliminate the practice of accommodating young people with serious disabilities in nursing homes. In addition to supporting a specific programme of transition for certain young people inappropriately placed in nursing homes to more appropriate housing options in the community, Government is increasing support to a range of services that can facilitate young people with serious disabilities live fuller, more independent lives.
In 2021 the Government provided an additional €100m to enhance disability services. Budget 2022 provides for an additional package of €105m for disability services.
The organisation concerned contacted the Department of Health about its work and the Ombudsman’s Report. The organisation is known to the HSE and works closely with disability services in each HSE CHO area, including on the development of bespoke plans and budgets in response to local need.
As the delivery of residential places is a matter for the HSE, the organisation was advised to contact the HSE, and a contact point was provided to it for follow-on engagement as appropriate.
