asked the Minister for Health if he will state the average waiting period or delay between notification of infection and admission to a properly and fully equipped sanatorium or chest hospital in the years 1932, 1937, 1942, 1947, 1952 and 1957.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Admission to Sanatoria.
The information, in the form requested, is not available. The number of adult pulmonary patients on waiting lists for admission to sanatoria on 31st March in each of the years 1952 and 1957 is as follows:—
|
1952 |
728 |
|
1957 |
94 |
There is now no appreciable waiting period between the date of notification of infection and date of admission to a sanatorium or chest hospital, the waiting list consisting, in the main, of persons in whom the diagnosis of infection has only just been made. It is known, for instance, that of the 94 shown as on the waiting list on 31st March, 1957, arrangements had been made for the admission of at least 26 to sanatoria and most of them would have been admitted within a few days after that date. There were more than sufficient sanatoria beds available to cater for all the patients on the list.