asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on (i) the present condition of unit 3, St. Kevin's Hospital, Dublin, (ii) the proposals submitted to his Department by the Dublin Health Authority and (iii) when it is expected that these proposals will be implemented.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - St. Kevin's Hospital (Dublin).
6.
Unit 3 is the only building not of recent construction in the St. Kevin's Hospital complex which was not included in the general reconstruction programme which took place in the 1950s. The building was surveyed by an architect in April, 1969, who reported that its condition was such that it would not be feasible to bring it up to modern hospital standards. As an immediate measure to improve conditions in the building, the Dublin Health Authority have undertaken to reduce the number of patients being accommodated and to use some of the space vacated to provide improved facilities for the remaining patients and staff. About 70 patients have so far been transferred from Unit 3 to alternative accommodation. I understand that proposals will shortly be submitted by the health authority for arrangements which would enable a further reduction to be made in the number of patients in Unit 3.
Following receipt of the architect's report, the health authority proposed that steps be taken, which would include the erection of a new hospital building, to enable all patients to be transferred from Unit 3. As the Deputy will be aware, arrangements for the establishment of a corporate body, involving the Dublin Health Authority and the Federated Dublin Voluntary Hospitals, to take over the operation and further development of St. Kevin's Hospital are well advanced. It is intended that under the auspices of this body, a modern, general teaching hospital will be developed at St. Kevin's. It would be unwise to embark on any large scale building works at St. Kevin's pending the establishment of the new body.
The Minister is aware that these are geriatric patients who are being accommodated there and he has seen the widespread publicity on the conditions prevailing in this unit and would he not think that some urgent measures should be taken to have the patients all transferred?
We are moving as rapidly as we can in the circumstances.
Surely it is not fair that we should treat our aged citizens like this, subject them to this kind of treatment in that place?
Renovations are being carried out at the Cork Street premises which will relieve the position. As the Deputy knows, there is a change in student nurse training which has been authorised by An Bord Altranais. This will enable student nurses to have geriatric training and it will then be possible to use some of the beds that were vacant because nurses were not available to treat the patients. I hope that will come into operation some time between now and March.
I do not think nurses will keep the draught out.
I am not talking about that particular building. I am talking about the Dublin Health Authority hospitals.
I am talking about that unit.
About 100 beds were vacant because nurses could not be procured. It will now be possible to effect a rotation of student nurses and that will enable more beds to be used.
We are talking about Unit 3——
I have allowed three supplementaries. Would the Deputy allow business to proceed? The Deputy may not monopolise Question Time. We have 120 questions to deal with.
I am not referring to Unit 3 but to a general situation.
My question relates to Unit 3.
As I have said, conditions for staff and patients will be improved in Unit 3.
How many patients are left there at present?
About 70 patients have so far been transferred. I cannot say how many patients are left.
I think that is relevant.
Question No. 7.