Nursing unit only 'half open' a year on
HIQA and HSE working on resolution
HALF of the beds at Tuam’s new €25 million Community Nursing Unit have yet to be used — a year after the facility was officially opened by Tánaiste Micheal Martin.
The situation has been described as “farcical” by Galway East Independent TD Sean Canney who said the state-of-the-art facility has met all the necessary building regulations and fire certifications but is being held up by the health regulatory body HIQA.
There are 50 beds in the facility on the Purcell Road, including a dedicated dementia wing, a secure outdoor garden as well as a spectacular partially enclosed rooftop garden.
Former residents of the old Arus Mhuire nursing home moved to the new building earlier this year but only 25 beds are available to use.
Last October the HSE had indicated that a portion of the beds might be used for respite or step-down purposes, but this hasn’t happened and The Tuam Herald understands that the entire first floor accommodation is out of bounds.
“It’s only been operating at half throttle for a year,” remarked Deputy Canney. He believes HIQA asking for changes to be made or other works to be carried out in such a landmark building is over-stepping their remit.
“All the required regulations have been met. What expertise does HIQA have in construction matters. A Fire Cert is in place and the Fire Officer has visited the building. There is a need for HIQA’s regulatory functions, but I don’t believe they have the expertise on this occasion. They have serious questions to answer,” he told The Herald.
A spokesperson for HSE West confirmed they were aware of the delayed opening of the beds. In a statement it said: “National and local estates, Older Person’s Services Management and HIQA are actively working together to ensure a safe and prompt opening of the Joe & Helen O’Toole Community Nursing Unit to full capacity to include the day care service.
“While exact time frames are difficult to call, lengthy delays are not anticipated.”
The €25 million nursing unit was only made possible through the generous donation of €7 million from the estate of the late businesspeople Joe and Helen O’Toole, after whom the unit is named.