asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the inadequacy of the accommodation for geriatric patients in Macroom Hospital, he will consider the possibility of using the vacant hospital in Macroom for the accommodation of these patients.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Geriatric Patients in Macroom Hospital.
65.
Mr. O'Malley
I intend to arrange that the question of re-opening St. Colman's Hospital, Macroom, will be discussed in the near future with officers of the Cork Health Authority. The Deputy's suggestion will be taken into account at these discussions.
The question has been discussed between your Department and the Health Authority for a number of years. You have expressed concern——
The Deputy should not address the Minister; he should address the Chair.
Seeing that the Minister has expressed concern about hospital accommodation, why should this hospital be lying idle over the years when it could usefully accommodate geriatric patients at little or no expense so far as reconstruction or renovation is concerned?
Mr. O'Malley
In the past, as Deputies will appreciate from previous questions, my Department's policy was to resist the setting up of a multiplicity of small, county home type units. This policy must now be reviewed in the light of the situation as it now exists in the majority of the district hospitals.
Would it be reasonable to assume that this hospital will be utilised within the next three months? Would that be a fair assumption?
Mr. O'Malley
It would be a fair assumption to say a decision will be given one way or the other within three months.