Hospitals Building Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Ceisteanna (395)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Ceist:

395. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the basis for a decision by his Department (details supplied); the reason for delaying a decision until 2021 in the context of the decision already taken by his predecessor in January 2016 to downgrade the hospital; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this will lead to an urgent need to invest in the hospital in the interim in order to maintain standards required by HIQA; the reason there is such a delay in deciding on the matter; the interim plans he has for the hospital in the intervening four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7075/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Under the Capital Investment Programme for Community Nursing Units, announced in January 2016, a decision was made to build a new 130 bed community nursing unit in Letterkenny by the end of 2021, through a Public Private Partnership or alternative funding model. This decision relates to long term residential services, and is separate to, and independent of, any consideration of the other services currently provided in the three Community Hospitals. The decision reflected the fact that these hospitals were not considered to be appropriate for use as long-stay residential care homes in the medium term.

No further decisions have been made in relation to the future use of the existing CNUs in the East Donegal area. Any proposals for upgrade of existing facilities will be considered in the context of capital funding available to Health and must comply with the agreed capital approval process.

However, I understand that the HSE is examining requirements for the area and a report has been submitted to the HSE’s National Social Care Division and the HSE’s National Capital Property Steering Group, where it is being considered.

Question No. 396 answered with Question No. 356.