St John of God services
Deputy Kenny warned of a looming crisis over St John of God community services and asked what contingency plans were in place. The Minister of State said the HSE had pressed for a service-level agreement and hoped for a positive resolution.
A crisis is looming in respect of service users, families and staff at St. John of God. We were here a number of years ago in the context of huge deficits in the service. In six months' time, those seeking community services will have to go to either the HSE or a voluntary body. As a former employee of St. John of God who has a lot of friends who work there, I know they are extremely concerned about what is going on. They were only told when it was reported online last week. This is no way to do business. What measures is the Government putting in place in case the eventuality happens on 15 August whereby St. John of God has to hand over the community services to the HSE?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising the question. As he can appreciate, it is a very sensitive issue at this time. The CEO of the HSE met the chair of the board last Sunday and sent a very strong letter on Monday confirming his offer to encourage the organisation to sign its service level agreement, SLA, while also addressing the deficit, which is the real issue. My understanding is the board of St. John of God met yesterday. I do not have an update on that but I am hopeful, as we all are, that a positive resolution can be found.