asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that thirty-four permanent nurses attached to Saint Mary's Chest Hospital, Phoenix Park, have been requested to transfer to another institution caring for persons suffering from tuberculosis; whether he is aware that the permanent staff are anxious to avoid such a transfer and are willing to nurse, if necessary, patients other than those suffering from tuberculosis who may be admitted to the hospital; and, if so, if he will request the Dublin Corporation to make other arrangements for staffing their institutions which care for patients suffering from tuberculosis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transfer of Dublin Hospital Nurses.
4.
As the number of tuberculosis patients in St. Mary's Chest Hospital has been declining, and as James Connolly Memorial Hospital is almost completely occupied by tuberculosis patients, I understand that, in January last, Dublin Corporation invited applications from permanent nurses in St. Mary's Hospital who have special qualifications and experience in tuberculosis nursing, for transfer to James Connolly Memorial Hospital. Nurses employed in the Dublin Corporation Sanatoria service are liable for service in any of the Corporation's Sanatoria.
In the following month, the Dublin Assistant City Manager, who deals with health matters, met a deputation sent on behalf of the nurses who feared that they would lose status, seniority, etc., if they transferred or were transferred. He was able to give them the necessary assurances and undertook to meet them again if they so wished. No request for a further discussion has been received.
If, therefore, the nurses have any proposals to put forward, I suggest that they discuss them first with the Assistant City Manager. From what has happened to date, I have no reason to believe that in the present case the local authority will act other than with the utmost sympathy and consideration, subject, of course, to its over-riding obligation to ensure that the best possible service will be provided for the patients under its charge.