Deputy Michael Lowry is calling on Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to provide support for Private nursing homes as he says many are facing closure due to increasing costs. The Thurles based TD noted that 17 private nursing homes closed last year with job losses and consequences for residents and their families. The homes are facing increasing input costs, staffing difficulties and higher costs to remain HIQA compliant.
Nursing Homes Ireland, the representative body for Private Nursing Homes has lodged a complaint with the European Commission in respect of the Fair Deal Scheme – the organisation says it discriminates in the funding distribution it gives to Private Nursing Homes as opposed to Public Nursing Homes. Deputy Lowry is calling for the private nursing home sector to be supported as it plays a vital role in caring for people and can help with hospital overcrowding.
