Nursing homes safe, says Breen

Fears that four HSE-funded community nursing homes in Clare were facing threatened closure under Government cutbacks have been allayed by a local deputy.

Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Pat Breen, said he has been informed that, following the HSE review of the Long Term Nursing Homes, no nursing home in Clare is to close.
The future of facilities at Regina House, Kilrush; Raheen Hospital in Tuamgraney; Ennistymon Community Hospital and St Joseph’s Hospital, Ennis had been questioned.
“There was a lot of scare mongering by the Opposition and unfounded ­speculation over the past few months ­regarding their future and I am delighted to be able to reassure the staff, patients and their families that the future of these hospitals is secure.
“I welcome the fact that the future of our nursing homes has been clarified, ­particularly against the backdrop of the HSE having to operate with a reduced budget of €50 million for this year,” he said
He noted staff working in the HSE non-acute section have achieved savings of €8 million, which has contributed to this decision.
It has also emerged there will be no immediate bed closures in State-run elderly care facilities in Clare as a result of early staff retirements.
Deputy Breen has learned that last year 795 people who availed of home help in the county, benefited from 180,000 hours in total. The home care scheme has been cut by about 4% from 131 to 128 packages.
He has also been assured that there will be a minimal impact on residential elderly care as a result of early retirement under the Government’s Pension Scheme.
According to official figures, 59 whole time equivalent staff will leave the service in the Mid-West, of which 14 are in Clare.
“I understand from the HSE that the situation in the Long Term Nursing Home area will be kept under review for the remainder of the year and that hopefully no further bed closures will be necessary but this will be dependent on a number of factors; namely an unanticipated increase in sick leave or further staff departures from the service or other changed circumstances.”
“In the short-term, 19 beds at St Joseph’s Hospital, Ennis will be closed for refurbishment.
“I have been assured that 11 of these beds will be re-opened after six weeks, with the remaining eight beds re-opening after a further six weeks,” he noted.
While welcoming the clarification, Deputy Timmy Dooley noted it should have been a lot sooner. “This issue was mooted by Government sources and any ‘scaremongering’ came from Government backbenchers and Minister Reilly, who did this in order to win this battle at Cabinet level.
“It caused a lot of fear and anxiety amongst staff and patients in these facilities. Far from scaremongering, the Opposition has held the Government to account and highlighted the importance of State-run nursing homes.
“I know the value of services in Raheen, Kilrush, Ennistymon and St Joseph’s and I make no apology for highlighting the need to protect these services,” he said.
The Mid-West HSE stated the €8m referred to is a “2011 accounting issue” and is not a saving linked to bed provision.
“The HSE continues to face serious financial challenges in 2012 and five to 10 beds may close in Clare,” said a HSE spokesman.