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Nursing Homes Support Scheme Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019

Tuesday, 15 January 2019

Ceisteanna (650, 651)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

650. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of residents in nursing home care facilities nationwide. [54452/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

651. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of persons requiring nursing home care in five, ten, 15 and 20 years, respectively according to demographic analysis. [54453/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 650 and 651 together.

Currently more than 23,200 people are supported in nursing homes under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS). This figure does not include those in short stay or transitional care beds, nor does it include those residents of private facilities that pay for their own service outside of the NHSS. The Health Information & Quality Authority website has information on the number of registered beds for each designated residential care centre, public and private.

The Department's "Health in Ireland - Key Trends 2018" report, published last month, indicates that in 2017 there were 30,674 residential care beds registered with HIQA. It is not possible to determine the exact total number of people in residential care beds at a given time except for those that residents that are supported under the NHSS.

The Capacity Review published earlier this year, in addition to recognising the pressures being faced across the health system in terms of access to healthcare, was also an indication of the Government’s desire to plan appropriately for the future. Analysis of future scenarios (based on demographic projections and taking account of envisaged reform measures) shows potential requirements for the period to 2031. On the back of these findings, the Government committed to providing 4,500 additional short and long term residential care beds in the National Development Plan. The exact criteria for the planning and design of these beds will be evaluated on a phased basis as the projects are approved.

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