778. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health if her Department was notified of the intention to undertake the review which has commenced at the Cottage Hospital Drogheda; and when was this notification received. [48974/26]

The Department of Health was notified of the HSE’s intention to undertake a review of the nurse-led transitional care service at the Cottage Hospital, Drogheda, and the HSE issued a statement to this effect on Friday 19th June.

A key element of this review is to ensure that the beds at the Cottage Hospital are in line with the wider model of care for older persons in Integrated Healthcare Area (IHA) Louth Meath to ensure the effective use of services for the benefit of the people of Louth Meath.

It should be noted that no other services within the Cottage Hospital will form part of the review. There are no plans to close the Cottage Hospital Drogheda and all services remain operational.

I appreciate the concern that the proposed changes have caused locally, particularly for patients, their families, and the staff currently working in the Cottage Hospital. I recognise the importance of step-down and transitional care services to the community in Drogheda, and the need to ensure that appropriate supports remain in place for older persons and those requiring ongoing care following discharge from acute settings.