asked the Minister for Health when he now expects the new wing at Sligo County Hospital to be opened; the number of beds to be provided therein and their allocation as between the different medical specialities; and the status and position this hospital will hold in the general medical institutional services in the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sligo County Hospital.
65.
The new extension to the Sligo County Hospital is expected to be completed in June next.
The bed complement of the County Hospital, which will be increased from 127 beds to 238 by the new extension, will be divided between the various specialities as follows:—
|
Medical |
60 |
beds |
|
Surgical |
66 |
,, |
|
Maternity |
30 |
,, |
|
Gynaecological |
14 |
,, |
|
Paediatric |
26 |
,, |
|
Ear, Nose and Throat |
14 |
,, |
|
Ophthalmic |
18 |
,, |
|
Intensive Care |
6 |
,, |
|
Recovery Ward |
3 |
,, |
|
Total |
238 |
,, |
The new extension will make it possible to provide in Sligo specialist paediatric, ear, nose and throat and ophthalmic in-patient services for patients from Counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal.
The Report of the Consultative Council on the General Hospital Services, which I have accepted in principle, recommends that Sligo County Hospital should be further developed to provide the services of a General Hospital, as described in the Report.
66.
asked the Minister for Health if the new hospital at Sligo is calculated to fulfil present requirements as a trainee school for general nursing.
No provision has been made for the establishment of a training school for general nurses in Sligo. I understand, however, that this question is at present being considered by the Sligo County Council.
67.
asked the Minister for Health the extra staff which will be required at Sligo County Hospital when the new wing is opened; and if suitable living accommodation is being provided, especially for the nursing staff.
Approval to the employment of the following additional staff for Sligo County Hospital has been conveyed to the health authority by my Department:—
1 Surgeon; 1 Pathologist; 1 Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist; 1 Ophthalmic Surgeon; 1 Paediatrician; 1 Catering Superintendent.
Additional junior medical, nursing and para-medical staff will be necessary and proposals regarding the categories and numbers required are at present under examination in my Department.
The additional staff accommodation being provided in the new extension will cater for—
9 Medical Staff; 1 Assistant Matron; 11 Nurses.
Further nursing staff accommodation in the form of flatlets will be provided for 52 nurses. Also, approval in principle has been conveyed to the provision of two houses for resident medical staff.