asked the Minister for Health the number of Dublin Health Authority hospital beds at present unoccupied because of shortage of suitably qualified nurses; and what steps are being taken to remedy the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortage of Nurses.
11.
I have been informed by the Dublin Health Authority that 50 out of a total of almost 3,000 beds in their hospitals are unoccupied owing to a shortage of general-trained nurses. The shortage is confined to two hospitals, but no seriously ill patient has been refused admission to either.
Special measures, including incremental concessions, have been introduced to stimulate recruitment.
I am keeping the position under review.
Is the Minister aware that there are many other wards where the existing nursing complement is grossly overworked because of inadequacy of staff and would the Minister, therefore, anticipating the likely increase in demand for bed accommodation in the coming winter, take steps to ensure that conditions of service are so improved as to attract the full complement of nursing personnel to all Dublin Health Authority and other hospitals in the Dublin region?
As the Deputy knows, there have already been improvements in the conditions of service. At the moment there is a further demand by the Irish Nursing Association which is awaiting consideration by the arbitration board. Because of the information I have had from all the hospital authorities I do not anticipate any severe shortage of nurses in the coming winter.
Would the Minister name the two hospitals?
Cherry Orchard and St. Mary's in the Phoenix Park.
How do the rates of pay for nurses here compare with the rates in Britain? Britain is in competition in this field and, if the rates are better there, that would naturally draw nurses away from our hospitals
That is a separate question. The matter does not arise on this question.
Perhaps, the Deputy could ask that on some other question.