Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
784. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of public nursing homes, private nursing homes and voluntary nursing homes, respectively, in existence in each of the years 1997 to 2016; the number of long-term beds only in public nursing homes, private nursing homes and voluntary nursing homes, respectively, in each of the years 2014 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19162/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBetween 1997 and 2013 the Department of Health carried out a survey of long-stay units each year. Each long-stay unit (public, private and voluntary) is sent a questionnaire and the responses are collated by the Department. The aim of the survey is to provide statistics on the number of beds available for long-term care, how these beds are used and the types of residents who occupy these beds.
The results of the surveys are used to prepare the Long-Stay Activity Statistics Reports which are published on the Department's website and can be accessed at www.doh.ie. Each report provides a breakdown of the data by Local Health Office and Category of Unit. The Deputy should be mindful that these are self-reported survey results and have variable response rates.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is an independent statutory authority established to drive high quality and safe care for people using health and social care services in Ireland. Since 2009 HIQA have maintained a register of all nursing homes whether public or private. The register can be accessed at www.hiqa.ie.
The Health Service Executive maintains a public register for long stay residential care. The following information, detailing the number of public beds is set out in the HSE operational plans which are also available on line.
|
HSE Operational Plan |
Long stay beds |
Other beds |
Total |
|
2014 |
5,392 |
1,861 |
7,253 |
|
2015 |
5,287 |
1,840 |
7,127 |
|
2016 |
5,255 |
2,005 |
7,260 |
