INO report shows slowdown in private bed increases

There has been a dramatic slowdown in the rate of increase in the supply of private nursing home beds, according to a survey of the industry published today by the Irish Nursing Homes Organisation

Outlining details of the survey at today’s launch, INHO Chief Executive Tadhg Daly called for a clear commitment from all stakeholders to support the development of an integrated and long-term strategy on care of older people in society, in which the nursing home sector will play an integral and coherent role.

The survey revealed that there has been an increase of only 187 beds in 2006, compared with an increase of over 1,200 beds in 2005. The East Coast, Northern and South Western areas have all experienced a fall in the number of beds in 2006. A total of 14 nursing homes closed in 2006 and 16 new homes giving a net increase of 2 new homes.