Hospitals Capital Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

Ceisteanna (1893)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Ceist:

1893. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if no financial commitment is being made in 2019 for major improvement works on St. Joseph's Community Hospital, Stranorlar and Ramelton Community Hospital other than for minor works; the status of the major investment plans to bring the two hospitals up to the full HIQA standards required for residential care units, long stay residential units, dementia units and medical assessment units; if no commitment is provided for either in the 2019/2020 budgets for the major improvement works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34249/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The overarching policy of the Government is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. The standard of care delivered to residents in public units is generally very high, but we recognise that many of our community hospitals are housed in buildings that are less than ideal in the modern context. It is important therefore that we upgrade our public bed stock and this is the aim of the capital investment programme for community nursing units.

The HSE is responsible for the delivery of health and personal social services, including the facilities at St. Joseph’s Community Hospital Stranorlar and Ramelton Community Hospital.

The HSE have advised my Department the following in relation to these facilities.

The Community Nursing Unit programme provides for the retention of services at St. Joseph’s Community Hospital Stranorlar and Ramelton Community Hospital with a requirement for refurbishment of both centres.

In the short term the HSE will invest minor capital in both units in 2019 and 2020 in order to deal with HIQA compliance issues and an agreed schedule of works is being finalised with HIQA.