Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1834. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the measures that are being introduced to ensure that the fee payable for nursing home resident care recognises the extraordinary increase in costs being incurred (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43250/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1835. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the reason that the pricing mechanism for the fair deal scheme remains unchanged seven years after the review of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43251/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1836. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the immediate measure that will be implemented to stem the closure of small nursing homes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43252/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1837. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health his views on the recent pattern of closure of smaller nursing homes; and if the loss of these nursing homes within communities are of particular concern for his Department and the Government with regard to the care options available to persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43253/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1839. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health his views on his Department's value for money review of nursing home costs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43255/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1834 to 1837, inclusive, and 1839 together.
I am acutely aware of the specific challenges faced by the Nursing Home sector related to price inflation and increased energy costs. I have met directly with Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI), the representative organisation for private and voluntary nursing homes, and updated them in detail on progress being made in relation to this matter. I have also met with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to request that they consider the matter alongside departmental officials. I have visited a number of Nursing Homes to discuss this issue with management of both public and private/voluntary nursing units. It is imperative that nursing homes manage potential cost pressures in line with their regulatory and contractual responsibilities, maintaining their quality of care so that residents’ lived experience and comfort is not affected. I will provide an update to sector representatives as soon as possible.
It should also be noted that the department continues to work with the NTPF to take forward the recommended actions that emerged from the review of the NTPF pricing system published in June 2021 as well as taking forward the nine recommendations of the Value For Money Review on Nursing Home costs published last December.
I would also like to highlight the other supports provided to the private and voluntary nursing home sector over the course of the pandemic. As you are aware, the COVID-19 Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme, also known as TAPS, has been in place since the start of the pandemic. Over €143 million has been made available to date under the scheme. The outbreak assistance element of the scheme is still in payment, having been extended up to September 2022. In addition to TAPS, direct support has been provided by the HSE to private nursing homes in many areas, including the provision of PPE, serial testing and support with staffing. In response to the strategic workforce challenges in the nursing home and home care sector, a Cross-Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group has been established. The Group is working to a tight timeline and is committed to providing a set of recommendations by September 2022.
I am aware that a number of nursing homes have closed this year, with several new closures notified in the last few weeks. The closure of any nursing homes reduces bed capacity and puts pressure on other local health and social care facilities, including acute hospitals. The most important thing when nursing homes close is that the welfare and safety of residents is secured. We must work to alleviate any concerns they may have. They and their families remain my continued focus. The closure of any nursing homes reduces bed capacity and puts pressure on other local health and social care facilities, including acute hospitals. It is essential that when nursing homes are intending to close, residents and their families must be consulted with and given appropriate notice so that new homes can be found and they can be moved in a safe, planned way
Given the importance of nursing homes and the NHSS to the wider health and social care system - with a budget of over €1 billion, and over 22,000 residents supported - it is essential that policy measures are examined with due care in order to ensure the government's objectives are delivered and avoid unintended consequences. I hope to be in a position to update sector representatives as soon as possible.
