NURSING HOMES GROUP CALLS PUBLIC MEETING OVER HSE BLOCK BOOKING

Date Published: 18-Feb-2009

A plan by the HSE to 'block-book' nursing home beds is being criticised as an accounting exercise rather than a policy for ongoing care.Nursing Homes Ireland West is claiming that University Hospital Galway has recently invited nursing homes in Galway to tender to provide beds to be 'block-booked' under a Winter Initiative scheme. It provides for short term post-hospital care for patients who are medically fit for discharge but unable to return home immediately. Nursing Homes Ireland West has organised a public meeting for this Thursday at 7.30pm in the Claregalway Hotel, Claregalway. (19/2/09)N-H-I Secretary Joe Shanley says the 'block-booking' beds isn't in the patients best interests