asked the Minister for Health the extent of the shortage of qualified nurses in hospitals in Dublin; and what steps are being taken to resolve the problem.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Recruitment of Nurses.
4.
I presume that the question has reference to hospitals other than the psychiatric hospitals.
I have no information to suggest that there is any shortage of qualified nurses in the Dublin voluntary hospitals.
I understand from the Dublin Health Authority that of 900 authorised posts as staff nurse in their general hospitals, some 708 posts are filled by registered nurses, 45 by State enrolled nurses and 47 by female attendants who undertake auxiliary nursing duties, making a total of 800 appointments. In addition, the health authority have the services of 166 student nurses. Apart from occasional difficulties in filling duty rosters, there are no indications of a serious staffing problem.
Measures taken to stimulate recruitment were detailed in my reply to another question last afternoon.
Is the Minister aware that in St. Mary's Hospital, Phoenix Park, the authorities had to close down three units, representing 60 beds for geriatric patients, because of a shortage of nurses, and can he do anything to remedy that situation?
To which hospital is the Deputy referring?
St. Mary's Hospital, Phoenix Park.
I have not got the figures for any individual hospital here. A shortage of nursing staff was reported in connection with St. Kevin's. I dealt with that in an earlier question. I will make inquiries in regard to what the Deputy has said.
A serious position is arising in relation to the admission of geriatric patients to St. Mary's Hospital.
As the Deputy knows, recently an extra £40 a year in salary was granted to nurses undertaking geriatric cases because of the difficulties involved in the work. It is hoped that this will have a stimulating effect on the recruitment of nurses for geriatric patients.
I would ask the Minister to look into this matter.