There is even more confusion relating to the use of the new Community Nursing Unit in Nenagh as a step-down facility for UHL.
Local TD Alan Kelly was told recently by the HSE that there was no date set for when the state of the art 50 bed facility would be used for its intended purpose as a nursing home.
The Labour Deputy raised the issue in the Dáil this morning asking Minister of State for Older People Kieran O’Donnell for clarification.
The Minister seemed to have a different take on things compared to what the HSE had said.
“It has always been the intention that this temporary arrangement would be reviewed within one year and that Nenagh would open for long term residential care services 12 months after the contract commences with the private provider. That’s still the case – I followed up on that – that’s still the case.
“I wish to inform the Deputy that HSE Mid-West is currently working towards a HSE led model of service delivery at Nenagh CNU. This will include long term residential care services commencing in Q3 this year for the current St Conlon’s residents.”
Deputy Kelly was hopeful that the Nursing Unit would be available for use this summer as the Minister promised but questioned why the HSE had a different view.
“I accept your honesty and directness in this and I appreciate your response. I just have to ask though why did they send me this Parliamentary Question response in the last few days saying they didn’t have a date and didn’t know if you can confirm to the house that it is happening after 12 months which is this summer.
“I mean what’s going on? Why aren’t the Parliamentary Questions being answered honestly? You’ve given on the record of the Dáil – and I accept it – that it will be within 12 months which is this summer.”
Minister O’Donnell reiterated his view that the Nenagh CNU would open in Q3 which led Alan Kelly to pose another question.
“Well I must point out to you that the company Bartra are advertising for 12 month contracts for clinical nurses in Nenagh. So if they’re advertising for clinical nurses in Nenagh for 12 months they must expect they’re going to stay there for a bit longer. Why are they advertising for multiple posts in Nenagh on 12 month contracts if as you say this will be handed back to the people of Nenagh this summer?”
