asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that general practitioners in the Dublin area at present are encountering difficulty in obtaining beds for children with whooping cough, by reason of the high bed occupancy of the fever hospitals; and whether he will take steps to remedy the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Beds for Whooping Cough Patients.
12.
I understand that, due to exceptional pressure on available accommodation in the Dublin Health Authority fever hospitals, coupled with staffing difficulties, it has not been possible very recently to accommodate some cases of whooping cough. According to my information, the number of such cases refused admission in the past week was three, one of which was later admitted.
The provision of accommodation for the treatment of cases of infectious disease is a matter primarily for the health authority and I have requested the Dublin Health Authority to notify my Department of the steps being taken to deal with the present situation.