HSE Planning

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 October 2019

Wednesday, 2 October 2019

Ceisteanna (152)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Ceist:

152. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 374 to 376, inclusive, of 24 September 2019, if the HSE Capital Plan 2019 to 2021 has a financial commitment to upgrade the long-stay residential unit, residential care units and dementia care of St. Joseph’s Community Hospital and Ramelton Community Hospital, County Donegal; if the funding in the plan will bring these to community hospitals up to the full standards required for residential care units as opposed to the derogated standards thus ensuring the long-term future of these specific residential care units within the community hospitals beyond 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39993/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As previously outlined, the Capital Plan provides for €220m capital funding to the Community Nursing Unit programme over the period 2019 to 2021.

The CNU programme provides for the retention of services and upgrade of both St. Joseph’s Community Hospital, Stranorlar and Ramelton Community Hospital.

It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement, before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.

The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.   

In the meantime, the HSE will undertake minor capital works in both units in order to deal with regulatory compliance requirements and to ensure the long-term future of both units.