asked the Minister for Health if in view of the fact that Saint Mary's Chest Hospital, Phoenix Park, is no longer being used exclusively as a hospital for patients suffering from tuberculosis he will make a statement on the future of the hospital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Saint Mary's Chest Hospital, Phoenix Park.
5.
The total number of tuberculosis patients in St. Mary's Chest Hospital at the end of March was 252. There were also 39 non-tuberculosis patients in the Hospital on that date, giving a total bed occupancy of 291. The bed complement of St. Mary's is approximately 650.
In January last, officers of Dublin Corporation, Grangegorman Mental Hospital Board and Dublin Board of Assistance discussed with officers of my Department the question of the use of the surplus accommodation available at St. Mary's. In the light of what emerged at these discussions and in view of the known problem of overcrowding in St. Brendan's Hospital, Grangegorman, I am prepared to agree to a proposal that approximately 150 geriatric type male patients from St. Brendan's, Grangegorman, should be housed in the surplus accommodation at St. Mary's. Certain details in regard to numbers and type of staff to be provided remain to be finalised, but I hope to be in a position shortly to give the necessary sanction so that the proposal can be implemented at an early date. The question of the use of the balance of vacant beds in St. Mary's Chest Hospital is being considered.
Does the Minister's reply mean that there will be a geriatric section of the hospital and, at the same time, a T.B. section?
No. I do not think so — but there may be. However, they will be separate, of course, as the Deputy knows.