asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that in a number of hospitals, including institutions catering for many elderly bed-ridden patients, no fire drill whatsoever is held; if he will have a full investigation made as a matter of urgency of arrangements in all hospitals for fire fighting, evacuation of patients in the event of emergencies and the frequency of fire drills; if he will issue directives to all hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Fire Fighting Arrangements.
7.
A circular was issued by my Department in December 1969 to all mental hospital authorities which emphasised the need to establish administrative responsibility for fire arrangements, to ensure that fire precaution measures were given a very high priority and that all staff should have training in fire and evacuation drills. Health authorities were asked to ensure that these hospital buildings are examined regularly by the local fire officer; that fire fighting equipment is inspected and tested regularly; that regular fire drills take place; that all parts of the hospitals are adequately patrolled at night and that all matters relating to fire precautions are fully logged. It had been ascertained earlier that, in so far as it is possible to do so, ward accommodation for elderly patients is provided on the ground floor of the mental hospitals. The fire protection standards as prepared by the Department of Local Government were brought to the notice of the health authorities and of the authorities responsible for institutions catering for the mentally handicapped.
Further circulars on the lines of that issued to mental hospital authorities are being prepared for issue to all health authorities in respect of acute hospitals and county homes and to the authorities of voluntary institutions.
My question dealt with all hospitals and not merely mental hospitals or hospitals concerned with the treatment of mental patients. Would the Minister consider it appropriate that a ward accommodating more than 30 elderly patients should have the one door to a fire escape blocked on the inside by a bed occupied by a bed-ridden patient and built up on the outside with wallboard in order to prevent draughts? Will the Minister ensure that fire drill takes place in all hospitals without further delay, particularly in those hospitals which cater for elderly people or those who are otherwise immobile?
I will draw the attention of the fire service in the area to these matters. It is not my direct responsibility but I must take account of the operations of the fire authorities. If the Deputy has any specific instances in mind perhaps he will communicate with me.
Would the Minister consider it proper that a hospital accommodating more than 1,000 patients has not had any fire drill within living memory, particularly as the hospital is very old?
This is because the instructions sent out were not obeyed. We will circulate all these authorities again.
Will the Minister ensure that a circular is sent to each hospital?
All hospitals are included on the list.