HSE Tenders For Private Hospital Operator

The Health Services Executive is to tender for a private healthcare operator to run the new 100-bed community nursing unit in Ballincollig, according to the Minister for Education and Science Batt O’Keeffe.

Minister O’Keeffe said the move would ensure the new unit is staffed and optimally run for the benefit of local patients in Ballincollig and surrounding areas.

"The HSE’s tender call will go out shortly and it is my hope that the new facility will be up and running over the coming months. The community nursing unit will provide public high-quality long-stay therapeutic, rehabilitative and medical care for older people on their own doorsteps," Minister O'Keeffe said.

He added: "I began working on the project during my term as chairman of the Southern Health Board and, although the campaign has been long and hard-fought, I am pleased that it is now coming to a successful conclusion. The facility is part of a multimillion investment by the HSE to enable patients’ transfer to more appropriate care facilities when they no longer need acute hospital care.

"It will offer top-class person-centred care for the local community."

The news comes as the HSE introduces new strict terms and conditions for hiring temporary consultants through recruitment agencies.

The new framework agreement – which came into force last Monday – will be in place for two years with the option to extend for a further two.

Following a competitive tender process, the Executive has appointed six companies that will be able to supply locum doctors to the HSE.

The companies have been ranked based on the selection criteria, and this ranking order must be followed when requesting staff.

(DW/GK)