Lucan Lodge nursing home
Deputy Ward asks about the future of Lucan Lodge after HSE takeover and fears the loss of beds. Minister of State Butler says HIQA deregistration, legionella results and public health advice mean residents must move out for safety.
There were 3,500 people homeless in 2015.
Comment on this
I am speaking on behalf of the residents of Lucan Lodge Nursing Home and their loved ones. The HSE has taken temporary control of the home and its operation. Lucan Lodge is a test for the State's priorities. Is the Government willing to lose the 74 beds there. The number of nursing home beds has decreased under this Government's watch. I have been constantly calling for engagement between the Department of Health and the owner of Lucan Lodge. This has not happened. The owner has said that he is willing to foot any bill necessary to get Lucan Lodge up to a standard that would allow the residents to remain there. The Government must ensure that the residents of Lucan Lodge are not exposed to transfer trauma. Will the Department of Health engage with the owner, because this has not happened? Can the funds be found to make sure Lucan Lodge is brought up to the required standard and can the residents remain in their home? A solution was found for Cherry Orchard and a solution must be found for the residents of Lucan Lodge and their loved ones.
Comment on this
As the Deputy said, HIQA had to remove the registration for this nursing home. The HIQA report is there for everyone to see. The HSE, which is the provider of last resort, moved on to the site. While it was undertaking routine water-quality sampling, the situation changed significantly because positive legionella results at very high levels were returned across the site. This causes legionnaires' disease-----
Comment on this
Solutions have been found in HSE nursing homes for the same thing.
Comment on this
Excuse me. Legionnaires' disease is very serious. In consultation with public health, a water-quality committee meeting was convened and a plan was immediately put in place to urgently address the situation. This included the implementation of immediate control measures. These measures can only be addressed, and the immediate risk can only be removed, when all the residents vacate the premises. I cannot ignore HIQA or public health, and I will not ignore the HSE. These residents have to be kept safe.