(Cavan) asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there is no lift in St. Felim's Hospital, Cavan and that this is a severe hardship on the staff and patients in this multi-storey building; if he has received any proposals from Cavan County Council for the installation of a lift in the hospital; and if not, if he will take steps to have a lift provided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan Hospital.
21.
Up to eight years ago St. Felim's was the county medical hospital and county home in Cavan. The question of reconstructing the buildings and providing a lift was under consideration before that time. Because of the age of the buildings, which date from the middle of the 19th century, and their poor structural condition it was decided that reconstruction would not be an economic proposition. As the Deputy is aware, Lisdarn sanatorium was then converted to a medical and maternity hospital and plans for the provision there of a 100 bed geriatric unit are at an advanced stage. It is also proposed to build a new home for the aged in Cavan town.
It is intended when the new accommodation for the aged is available to discontinue the occupation of the upper floors of St. Felim's Hospital. In such circumstances the provision of a lift would not arise.
(Cavan): Can the Minister give any indication when this accomodation for the elderly will be available?
Work is expected to commence during 1972-73.
(Cavan): Does that not mean that even if the schedule is lived up to it will be about five years before it can be used?
I could not say how long it will take to complete.
(Cavan): Does the Minister not agree that it would be proper to install a lift now?
Under the circumstances "No".
(Cavan): Surely——
We have 205 Questions on the Order Paper and the time is limited today.
(Cavan): This is rather important.
The others seem to be important too.
(Cavan): Surely the Minister does not suggest that the staff and the patients in this hospital should be subjected to climbing three or four flights of stairs for the next five or six years? Surely a lift could be installed and transferred later to the new building?
The cost of the reconstruction of St. Felim's Hospital, including the provision of a lift, would be £300,000. I think the alternative plan is much better.
(Cavan): Will the Minister be realistic? He is not claiming that the lift is going to cost £300,000?
I have decided to undertake the course indicated in the reply.
(Cavan): That is what?
To have the new 100 bed unit built.
(Cavan): That has been talked about for the past 20 years. It is an absolute disgrace that a lift is not provided. The Minister should be ashamed of himself.