HSE nursing homes in Donegal are being paid 81 per cent more per resident, per week, than private and voluntary counterparts in the county under the Fair Deal scheme.
The analysis, undertaken by Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI), shows that the 14 private and voluntary nursing homes operating in Donegal receive an average The analysis, undertaken by Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI), shows that the 14 private and voluntary nursing homes operating in Donegal receive an average Fair Deal fee of €885 per resident per week.
In contrast, the 11 HSE nursing homes in the county receive an average fee of €1,603 per resident per week.
The cost of care in public nursing homes in Donegal range from €1,502 per week (both Ramelton and Killybegs) to €1,770 in the Shiel Community Hospital, Ballyshannon.
Meanwhile, there’s just €75 between the weekly cost in the most expensive private home Áras Uí Dhomhnaill, Milford (€925) and Hillcrest Nursing Home, Letterkenny (€850) which is the least expensive.
According to Mr Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO, the disparity within the county is long standing. When the fees were published for January 2019, the differential was also 81%, with the average for the 11 HSE nursing homes being €1,553 and €858 for the then 13 private and voluntary homes.
“The fees payable highlight Fair Deal funding for nursing home care is fundamentally flawed, with no recourse for private and voluntary nursing home providers providers to independently appeal the fee they are set under the Scheme.
“This arises as HSE nursing homes pay their homes fees that are multiple those payable to private and voluntary counterparts, with no negotiation entailed,” Mr Daly said.
Private and voluntary nursing homes are dismayed that fees under the Scheme are not commensurate with the reality of costs or those given to HSE homes.
“As it stands, Fair Deal is leading to the closure of private and voluntary nursing homes and placing unsustainable cost pressures upon nursing home providers.
“We are insisting that the next Government introduces a commitment to the introduction of an independent appeal process for nursing home providers under the Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal).
“This is a very legitimate and fair ask for private and voluntary providers within a scheme that is inherently unfair between public and private sector fees,” he said.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Cost of Care in Public Nursing Homes
Buncrana Community Nursing Unit €1,654
Ramelton Community Nursing Unit €1,502
Carndonagh Community Hospital €1,549
Donegal Town Community Hospital €1,654
Dungloe Community Hospital €1,600
Falcarragh Community Hospital €1,566
Killybegs Community Hospital €1,502
Lifford Community Hospital €1,644
Rock Community Nursing Unit €1,592
Shiel Community Hospital €1,770
St. Joseph’s Community Hospital, Stranorlar €1,605
NURSING HOMES SUPPORT SCHEME MAXIMUM AGREED PRICES WITH PRIVATE AND VOLUNTARY NURSING HOMES
Aras Mhic Suibhne Nursing Home, Laghey €870
Áras Uí Dhomhnaill, Milford €925
Hillcrest Nursing Home, Long Lane, Letterkenny €890
Harbour Lights Nursing Home, Bruckless €895
Nazareth House Nursing Home, Fahan €875
Brentwood Manor Nursing Home, Convoy €915
Brindley Manor Nursing Home, Convoy €880
Aras Ghaoth Dobhair Nursing Home €875
Lake House Nursing Home, Port na Blagh €885
Beach Hill Manor Nursing Home, Lisfannon €880
Archview Lodge Nursing Home, Letterkenny €875
Hillcrest Nursing Home, Letterkenny €850
Larissa Lodge Nursing Home, Letterkenny €858
St Eunan’s Nursing Home, Letterkenny €9,104
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Posted: 10:51 am March 9, 2020