Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
236. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify if HIQA has ordered an urgent evacuation of 68 elderly patients from Cherry Orchard hospital; if he is aware that there was no consultation with families in advance of a decision that will impact on 68 people and their families; if alternative accommodation can be arranged on campus to minimise disruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50368/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCherry Orchard Hospital is a designated centre for the care of older people located on the Hospital campus in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. The Centre comprises five units: Beech, Aspen, Hazel, Willow and Sycamore, housing 95 residents in total.
In May 2023, a Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) inspection identified concerns in relation to the flooring in both the Sycamore and Willow Units at Cherry Orchard Hospital. These presented a significant potential health and safety risk. A subsequent Health Service Executive (HSE) review indicated that the flooring has underlying structural issues which require immediate remedial work.
The HSE has decided to close both Units and relocate the residents to Clondalkin Lodge, which is a private nursing home, on a temporary basis while the necessary structural works are completed. It is expected that the works will take a minimum of 1 year to complete.
HIQA has advised my Department that the HSE is required to undertake structural and fire safety works in these buildings. As part of the HSE’s plan to complete these works in as timely a fashion as possible, HIQA has further advised that transferring residents temporarily to another facility is in their best interests; to ensure their safety.
The buildings remain registered with HIQA and the HSE has committed to the Chief Inspector that, following consultation, residents will all be offered the choice of returning as soon as the works are completed, and the facility is safe. The HSE will work to address the structural issues promptly and ensure HIQA compliance so that the residents can return as soon as possible.
In consultation with HIQA, the HSE has considered several plans to address the works required that would have allowed residents to remain on-site during completion of works. However, it was agreed that to ensure health and safety of residents the units would close while the works were being carried out. This is in order to minimise disruption to residents and to comply with the HIQA requirement for a shorter timeline for the completion of works.
The safety and wellbeing of residents and staff is the primary concern.
The HSE is working in consultation with residents, their families and staff while giving full consideration to health and safety concerns and regulatory compliance. There is on-going monitoring and risk assessment to ensure that there is no immediate hazard to residents.
The HSE has assured me that all residents will remain under the overall care of the HSE and that any and all supports that residents receive in Cherry Orchard will be provided at no additional cost to the residents transferred to Clondalkin Lodge. The relocation of residents from the two units in Cherry Orchard is temporary and the HSE has confirmed its commitment to this strategically important site.
As parts of the Deputy’s questions are an operational matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
