Hospital Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2012

Tuesday, 26 June 2012

Ceisteanna (456)

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

534 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the circumstances in which St. Brigid’s Hospital, Shaen, Portlaoise, County Laois, which for many years served as a geriatric unit and is now a designated community nursing unit, when such designation took place; the criteria applicable to such designation exhibiting a copy of the appropriate resolution in respect of such designation to include details as to by whom such designation was made when and in what manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30369/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

Under the Health 2007 Act statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of the Health Information and Quality Authority for inspecting and registering categories of designated centres providing residential services for children, older people and people with disabilities. In this regard the definition of a designated centre is set out in Section 2 of the Act.

On 1 July 2009 a new registration and inspection regime for all residential centres for older people — private, public and voluntary commenced. This regulatory system is to underpin quality and safety for residents in designated centres for older people.