Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Feb 1971

Vol. 251 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gastro-Enteritis and Treatment.

1.

Dr. Browne

asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the report of the Medical Research Council Committee on the incidence of gastro-enteritis in Dublin between 1964 and 1966; whether he has noted the conclusions that the major portion of hospitalisation was unnecessary and undesirable, that 40 per cent of the children spent four weeks in hospital, and that there was an intercurrent infection rate of 15 per cent; and if he will make a statement on these conclusions and outline the steps he intends to take to ensure that such a position will not recur.

2.

Dr. Browne

asked the Minister for Health whether he will try to establish a unit within one of the existing general hospitals in Dublin for the accurate diagnosis and speedy treatment and discharge of infants said to be suffering from gastro-enteritis.

Minister for Health (Mr. Childers)

With the permission of the Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

I have received a copy of the report referred to in Question No. 1 and of a recent article in a medical journal on the matter. The whole report is at present being examined by my Department and I do not propose at this stage to comment on the specific points referred to by the Deputy in Question No. 1 or on the proposal in Question No. 2. Any revision of the hospital arrangements for the diagnosis and treatment of gastro-enteritis would have to be considered in the light of the recommendations made about the re-organisation of the paediatric hospital services.