Two nursing homes in Galway which the HSE took over in summer are currently on the open market for eventual purchase by a private provider, the HSE Regional Health Forum was told yesterday.
The forum meeting at Merlin Park heard that HSE was appointed registered provider of last resort to Aperee Ballinasloe and Aperee Galway in June and August respectively.
Cllr Evelyn Parsons asked the HSE to outline its plan for long term management for care provision of current residents of the two private nursing homes, Aperee Living Ballinasloe and Aperee Living Galway, which the HSE has stepped in to take over as the registered provider since June 29 and August 6 respectively?
She confirmed that both Aperee Galway and Aperee Ballinasloe are currently on the open market.
Cllr Parsons asked if the issues that led to the homes being taken over have been addressed and if the homes have been assessed by HIQA since the HSE took them over.
She also asked for an idea of the expected timeline that the HSE expect to be providing care for the residents.
In response, Ann Cosgrove, Integrated Health Area Manager for Galway Roscommon told the meeting that the preferred option for the long term management of the residents is that the nursing homes are purchased by and operated by private providers.
She confirmed that HIQA are fully involved and asked for physical requirements that are currently being undertaken.
She said that there will be an indication in the near future about the level of interest in the homes from other providers.
She added that there has not been any staffing issues since they were taken over and that the welfare of the residents is their ongoing priority.
Cllr Parsons welcomed the answers and reiterated that the welfare of the residents is of the paramount importance.
