Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 April 2004
125 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will approve the appointment of three nurses to the hospice unit at the Plunkett Home, Boyle, County Roscommon; the reason for the delay in opening this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10425/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the provision of health services in the Roscommon area rests with the Western Health Board in the first instance. The board has advised my Department that a sum of €0.7 million has been allocated in the board's 2004 service plan for the opening of the palliative care facility in the Plunkett Home in Boyle. The board has also conducted a review of staffing levels and patient ratios at the Plunkett Home and as a result of this review, ongoing discussions are being held with staff and the unions in relation to the numbers and skill mix of staff that will be required for the service in the long term, inclusive of the palliative care facility. The board is committed to opening the palliative care facility as planned but, in doing so, it must ensure that there is adequate staffing to provide a safe and quality service.
126 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans there are to reduce the number of long stay beds at the Plunkett Home, Boyle, County Roscommon by 25; the future plans for this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10426/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the provision of health services in the Roscommon area rests with the Western Health Board in the first instance. The board has advised my Department that it has invested significantly over the last two years in upgrading the Plunkett Home in Boyle and staffing levels have also been increased. The board has undertaken a review of the staffing levels and patient ratios at the Plunkett Home and ongoing discussions are being held with staff and the unions regarding the numbers and skill mix of staff that will be required for the service in the long term. No decision has been made in relation to a reduction in bed numbers or staffing at the Plunkett Home in Boyle.
