Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2004
87 Mr. Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is still intended to provide the 850 community nursing units promised in July 2002; when they are likely to be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31569/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of step-down services for people ready to be discharged from hospital is a key element in ensuring health services are matched exactly to patient needs. I recently announced that patients awaiting discharge from acute hospitals would be accommodated in private nursing home beds for a period of up to six weeks. On discharge from the private nursing home they would go to a nursing home of their choice or to their own home, with the support of a home care package. It has been estimated that up to 500 people could be accommodated in these beds over a 12 month period under this initiative.
It is a priority to increase the availability of community nursing and other units that would meet the needs of people who require care that could not be adequately provided at home. Work has been under way in the Department of Health and Children on a proposal for a public private partnership investment scheme for 850 community nursing units. There have also been discussions between my Department and the Department of Finance in the development of this scheme, as is normal and entirely appropriate with public private partnership projects.
These are complex schemes and it is important to have a clear view of the benefits that will accrue given the complexity of the public private partnership contracting structure. The work done so far has helped to clarify a number of issues. I intend to examine this project in detail very soon. The objective set by my predecessor stands, that is, putting in place a large number of nursing units that will greatly help people make the transition from an acute hospital setting to care matched to their needs.
