andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Health whether he is satisfied that a fully equipped geriatric unit available for use since the beginning of the year should, in a situation of acute bed shortage for geriatric patients, be left unused for the reason recently given by him.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Geriatric Unit.
12.
Dr. Browne
The reason why it is not possible yet to open this unit was explained in my reply of 10th November, 1971, to Deputy Browne's question concerning it.
I feel that it is essential that a physician specially qualified and experienced in geriatrics should be associated with this unit from the beginning as he will be responsible for the implementation of the arrangements. I am hopeful that the post will be filled at an early date.
Is it not a fact that there are in the Eastern Health Board very highly qualified medical and nursing personnel capable of looking after geriatric type cases and, also, that there are geriatric patients held, in some cases, in grossly substandard conditions in some of the Eastern Health Board institutions and, therefore, it seems absurd to keep this very well equipped unit empty while there are geriatric patients held in substandard accommodation and when there is both medical and nursing staff available to give treatment?
I have replied to the Deputy that, as far as I know, someone is being recommended for the post and is now discussing the appointment with the Eastern Health Board.