Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2017
165. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with community hospitals and other health advocacy groups (details supplied) in County Donegal to address ongoing concerns regarding community hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52545/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra166. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health his plans for a reduction of service delivery for the care of older persons in existing hospitals, in view of his statements on community hospitals in County Donegal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52546/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra167. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if HIQA standards and compliance regulations (details supplied) as currently in operation will be maintained; the timeframe for a review of same; the timeframe for the subsequent notification to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52547/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 to 167, inclusive, together.
I would suggest that the Deputy arrange for a representative from one of the groups referred to contact my office to request a meeting and I will endeavour to facilitate the request. A meeting which had been arranged with one of the representative groups recently was cancelled.
The Deputy will be aware that since the announcement of the 5 year Capital Investment Programme for Community Nursing Units and following discussions with public representatives, Health Forum members and local community groups, local HSE management in CHO 1 agreed to review overall requirements for the area. I understand that a report has now been received by the HSE's Social Care Division and will be considered over the coming period. Any proposals for changes to the approved Capital Investment Programme for Community Nursing Units would have to be considered in the context of capital funding available to Health, potential revenue implications and compliance with the agreed capital approval process.
The National Quality Standards for residential Care Settings, developed by the Health Information and Quality Authority, set out what is expected in terms of the service provided to residents, with a focus on continuous development of safe and effective care. A revised set of National Standards were approved in 2016 and there are no plans to review these at present. Also in 2016 the Minister for Health approved the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. The amendment regulations provide that by January 2022:
- Bedrooms must have an area available for each resident to a minimum of 7.4m2 space (inclusive of bed, seating and personal storage facilities), and have no more than 4 residents (other than a high dependency room where maximum allowed is 6);
- There will be a minimum of one accessible toilet in close proximity to every eight residents (not necessarily direct or en-suite access);
- Communal dining space will cater for all residents but not necessarily at a single sitting.
