Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 April 2024
166. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 237 of 22 November 2023, if he will provide an update on the current situation; the number of residents who have been moved already, those who have yet to be moved, and any whom have sadly passed away in the interim (details supplied). [18214/24]
View answer167. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health with regard to Cherry Orchard nursing home and the planned removal and relocation of elderly and vulnerable nursing home residents, the status of any engagement he and/or his Department have had with the affected persons and their families, advocates or representatives since the situation arose in late 2023, and in the intervening time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18215/24]
View answerAs Minister for Mental Health and Older People, I take the health and safety of residents in long-term residential care facilities very seriously. I will not ignore a directive from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) stating that there is a fire and safety risk in any facility that potentially jeopardises the welfare and wellbeing of nursing home residents.
In May 2023, a HIQA inspection identified concerns in relation to the flooring in both the Sycamore and Willow Units at Cherry Orchard Hospital. These presented a significant potential health and safety risk. A subsequent HSE review indicated that the flooring has underlying structural issues which require immediate remedial work.
In consultation with HIQA, the HSE has considered several plans to address the works required that would have allowed residents to remain on-site during completion of works.
After due consideration, the most expedient option is to close both Units and relocate the residents to Clondalkin Lodge, which is a private nursing home, on a temporary basis while the necessary structural works are completed. It is expected that the works will take a minimum of 12 months to complete.
I have been advised that there is no impact on other structures on the campus as the issues relate solely to the two modular buildings Willow and Sycamore units.
The safety and wellbeing of residents and staff remains a key concern. There will be a medical social worker and an Assisted Decision Making lead available on site for the duration of this move. In addition, all residents have on site details for an independent advocate service should they wish to contact them
The HSE is working in consultation with residents, their families and staff while giving full consideration to health and safety concerns and regulatory compliance.
There is on-going monitoring and risk assessment by the HSE to ensure that there is no immediate hazard to residents, while simultaneously ensuring that any and all supports that residents receive in the Community Nursing Unit, such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy, will be provided at no additional cost to the residents transferred to Clondalkin Lodge.
The transfer of residents has begun on a phased basis. The phased move will have due regard to their needs, current proximity to each other and relationships within the unit. 44 Residents have been transferred from Cherry Orchard Campus, with 16 residents still on-site.
This decision was made to ensure the timely completion of the works and, ultimately, to be less intrusive and inconvenient to residents.
When these extensive remedial structural works are complete, all residents will move back to the Cherry Orchard site.
The Department of Health has maintained open and transparent lines of communication with the families of the residents, and with the HSE, at all times throughout this process.
