HSE pays more to State-run nursing homes
PUBLIC nursing homes in Co Wicklow are being paid 38 per cent more per patient, per week than their private, voluntary counterparts, it has been revealed.
Figures published by the HSE in recent days show the significant divide in payments to the three State-run nursing homes in Co Wicklow – St Colman’s, Rathdrum and Baltinglass District Hospital – and 18 private and voluntary homes across the county.
The figures, which have been sought by Nursing Homes Ireland, show that the HSE pays €1,547 to Baltinglass District Hospital per patient per week and €1,227 to St Colman’s.
Payments to those operating in the private sector range from €845 to €1,190, the average coming in at €1,005.
Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) has criticised the payments system which is said ‘discriminates against the private and voluntary sector’ and said that the HSE is abusing its dominant position in the nursing home sector.
The body has warned that failure to address this inequity ‘ threatens the sustainability of the private and voluntary nursing home sector and the vital services provided’.
‘ The State is discriminating in a scandalous way against private and voluntary providers,’ said Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO.
Mr Daly accused the State of ‘operating a twotier funding system’ said that it has ‘fought for five years not to disclose these figures’.
‘It is unacceptable that private and voluntary providers are forced to provide care for fees way below those paid to the HSE counterparts.’
He added that there is ‘no justifying such enormous anomalies.
‘HSE fees are devoid of accountability and transparency. There is no negotiation or requirement to justify the fees they pay themselves. Private and voluntary nursing homes are under intense, unjustifiable pressure because of the State pinning them against the wall when it comes to the negotiation of fees, said Mr Daly.
He also accused the State of continuing to ‘abuse its dominant position within the sector’ by ‘adopting a “take it or leave it” approach during the fee negotiation process under the Fair Deal.’
Mr Daly called on the State to engage immediately with the private and voluntary nursing home sector on this issue.
NHI also called on the Public Accounts Committee to investigate the level of spending by the State within its own nursing homes.
Minister for Health Simon Harris was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press. THE Environmental Protection Agency is inviting farmers to safely dispose of hazardous wastes from their farms at its collection point in Carnew Mart on Friday, October 21.
Hazardous waste generated through the normal running of a farm, from engine oils and filters, to the residues of pesticides, herbicides and out-of-date veterinary medicines, will be accepted.
Some 2,000 farmers are expected to participate in the nationwide campaign.
The campaign is led by the EPA, working with a cross-government team including Teagasc; the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine; the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and local authorities.
‘Given the environmental and public health risk posed by these chemicals and oily wastes, it is important to provide responsible and practical disposal options for farmers,’ said the EPA’s Dara Lynott.
‘ The level of support and engagement shown by the farming community for these collection events in recent years has been most welcome.’