Closure threat to Meath's only dementia unit

Grave fears have been expressed over the future of the dementia unit at St Joseph’s Community Nursing Unit in Trim unless funding is immediately released to overhaul the unit which does not meet current standards.

The Butterstream Dementia Care Unit is the only public dementia unit in the county and consists of 12 long-term beds and two respite beds. While there are plans to redevelop the unit to bring it up to standard, the work has not yet commenced due to a lack of funding.
The works form the final phases of the HSE’s upgrade of St Joseph’s, where around €4m has been spent in recent years to replace dorm style rooms with single en-suite rooms that meet the standards laid down by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
In its last report a year ago, HIQA inspectors noted the dementia care unit was “not a therapeutic or comfortable environment for the 14 residents residing there”.
It found that while every effort was made by staff, the Butterstream Dementia Care Unit did not meet its stated purpose. It is deemed the non-compliance as “major”.
In response to the issues raised, the HSE said plans were in place to renovate and upgrade Butterstream Dementia Care unit to ensure compliance and that work was due to commence in mid 2016 with completion envisaged by mid 2017. Yet works have still not commenced.
“We are very worried about the future of the unit. We fear it will close, which would impact on a lot of families. It was only allowed go forward on condition that the works are done,” said John Tobin, Chairperson of the Friends of St Joseph’s Charity which fundraises to provide additional comforts for patients.
“We are appealing to the HSE to come up with the funds as a matter of urgency to allow the unit remain open and bring it up to standard,” he said.
The first five phases of the renovation project ‘The Future Visioning of St. Joseph’s CNU’ were completed between 2013-2015. Mr Tobin explained that in early 2016, HIQA carried out a re-registration inspection and St Josephs achieved re-registration of the centre with conditions.
He said the remaining phases of the renovation project which specifically relate to the Butterstream Dementia Unit were to be fully renovated and refurbished which was to be completed by March 2017.
However, to date no funds were made available from the HSE for completion of these works.
“As a result of this lack of funding, the 12 long stay residents and two respite clients are living in an area of St Josephs which is deemed unfit for purpose. The residents have a lack of privacy and dignity and their living environment is not to an acceptable standard. They do not have their own individual bedroom space or ensuite facilities and have little privacy. The garden is not fit for purpose and a new build in required,” said Mr Tobin.
He explained that plans have been drawn up and signed off and planning has been approved for the development which will cost in the region of €2.4million but funding has not been approved by the HSE.
“As a result of this non approval of funding, the current HIQA Registration of Centre as it stands currently is in jeopardy. It is documented as a Major Non compliance with HIQA following inspections over recent years and is deemed not fit for purpose in its current state.
“Butterstream is the only public respite facility in the county and is in high demand from vulnerable clients with Dementia in the community. A visit from an Inspector is imminent. The risk is that HIQA will have lost faith in the HSE and will issue instructions to de-commission Butterstream Dementia Specific Unit.”
“St Joseph’s is wonderful home for residents in their twilight years, where they can live out the remainder of their lives in comfortable surroundings and with dignity and respect. Failure to complete the project in its entirety is both short sighted and a huge disservice to the people,” said Mr Tobin.
When contacted about fears over the future of the unit, a spokesperson for the HSE said: “A phased development plan is in place outlining the reconfigurement and renovation works which have taken place in the centre to date and are due to take place over the coming years in order to meet HIQA Standards and further enhance the environment for residents and staff. The HSE is currently endeavouring to secure capital funding for this unit. The Health and Information Quality Authority have been appraised of this position.”