Vol. 571 No. 1
846 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the decision of the SWAHB to close a long-term unit for older persons and the termination of the respite care service in Cherry Orchard Hospital as a result of recent staff cuts in the hospital; if he will direct the SWAHB to reverse this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19948/03]
930 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans in place to replace the respite care for older persons provided by Cherry Orchard Hospital which has recently been withdrawn a a result of staff cutbacks. [20494/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 846 and 930 together.
Responsibility for the provision of health services at Cherry Orchard Hospital rests with the South Western Area Health Board, SWAHB, operating under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. Additional funding available for non-capital investment in services has been allocated to the health services. This funding is being applied largely to maintaining existing levels of service across all service programmes, including services for older people.
The South Western Area Health Board was allocated a budget of €431 million in 2002 and €471 million in 2003 for service provision. The authority has informed my Department that the board has been reviewing all its services in order to keep within budget this year as it exceeded budget allocation in 2002. This review of services will include all services provided at Cherry Orchard Hospital and pending the outcome of this review, services will be maintained at current levels. The board has informed the authority that any change to the current level of service provision will be negotiated by way of agreement and consultation with its partners under the terms of Sustaining Progress.
