Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 May 2024
268. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health further to Questions on Promised Legislation on 25 April 2024, if the Minister with responsibility for older people will allow an independent examination into the decision to move the elderly residents from the willow and sycamore units of Cherry Orchard Hospital from their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19948/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Mental Health and Older People, I take the health and safety of residents in long-term residential care facilities very seriously. I will not ignore a directive from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) stating that there is a fire and safety risk in any facility that potentially jeopardises the welfare and wellbeing of nursing home residents.
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 these remedial works.
After due consideration, the most expedient option is 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 12 months to complete.
If families and other representatives have concerns that residents with limitations on their capacity were not provided with sufficient support to make their will and preference known, this should be raised with the HSE directly.
As the question raised is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible
