Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil T.D. Brendan Smith has been informed by the Health Service Executive that the recruitment process is underway to recruit additional staff to ensure that the full complement of beds is utilised in the Virginia Residential Care Centre.

The HSE were responding to Deputy Brendan Smith’s ongoing representations and Parliamentary Questions in Dáil Éireann with regard to the need to recruit the staff to enable the opening of the 26 additional beds in the Virginia Residential Unit.

Brendan Smith was further informed by the HSE that the beds will be opened on a phased basis as directed by the Health Information & Quality Authority.

Deputy Smith has renewed his representation to the HSE asking that the process be expedited as quickly as possible to ensure that these new facilities are operational. The new 26 beds in the Virginia Residential Care Centre will enhance the delivery of health services for the elderly in Cavan/Monaghan and help to relieve pressure on Cavan General Hospital and other health facilities.

ENDS 8/03/2016