On Monday, I was delighted to be able to welcome Dr James Reilly to Clarecastle. This day has been long coming but I am relieved that finally we have funding certainty provided by the HSE in relation to Daycare Dementia Services at Clarecastle District Daycare Centre. This was an issue which has existed for quite some time and one that I as a native of Clarecastle was keen to help resolve.
I have worked for many years on finding a solution to the funding issue at Clarecastle and am delighted to say that these negotiations and representations have paid off and we now have a workable solution and a new wing functioning and opened. The most important outcome is that the great work on-going at Clarecastle Daycare Centre can continue.
The recent HSE commitment noted that the Daycare centre provides universal care for older people, but also has a number of specialties in gerontology, including a dementia specific service.
In light of this, the HSE have recognised that some level of additional support or assistance is appropriate and required. An extra €35,000 is to be provided to Clarecastle Day Centre in 2013 to fund the service. This funding is guaranteed from 2014 to 2017, after which it will become part of the core funding payment to the centre.
Core revenue funding for Clarecastle Daycare Centre in 2013 will amount to just over €364,000, which is a slight 2.6% reduction on 2012. In light of this reduction, a €15,000 once off payment will be allocated in 2013 to deal with some current pressures.
I want to pay tribute to the hard work carried out each day and week by management and staff, to the Board and indeed the HSE under Area Manager PCCC Mid West, Bernard Gloster who was instrumental in bringing this matter to a conclusion.
There is finally recognition and funding for this vital service after years of campaigning. This is a significant achievement for the delivery of local health services by local people themselves and the real winners are the clients and their families.