asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in his review of out-patient services in hospitals.
6.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Patients.
5.
asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in introducing a charter of patients' rights in hospitals.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.
I explained in my reply to the Deputy's previous questions on 13 October 1977 and 1 June 1978 that the question of establishing a charter of rights for hospital patients is a complex issue and requires very detailed consideration; and that the Council of Europe had not completed their consideration of the matter. I understand that this is still the position.
The group which I established to consider the more limited question of patients being better informed about arrangements in hospital have recently submitted its recommendations to me. I propose to circulate these recommendations to health boards and other hospitals shortly.
The Minister appears to have answered Question No. 6 but not to have answered Question No. 5.
The question asks the progress to date in introducing a charter of patients' rights in hospitals.
I am referring to Question No. 5. The Minister took Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.
Yes, Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.
Question No. 5 asked the progress to date in the Minister's review of out-patient services in hospitals.
That is Question No. 6.
That is Question No. 5.
Both questions were taken together.
The reply does not refer to the text of Question No. 5.
The reply to the second part governs out-patient departments, that is, information about hospital arrangements.
The Minister and the House will be aware that from time to time we have asked about the lack of services in out-patient departments of hospitals in the country. The Minister has been telling us that he has been making arrangements to improve those services. That question appears to specifically ask the Minister his progress in bringing about those improvements. Can the Minister give us any indication as to what improvements have been brought about, or are envisaged, in the very unsatisfactory situation existing in many out-patient departments?
There are very considerable improvements and developments being undertaken all over the country. The accommodation in out-patient departments in hospitals is being extended and improved. In all the new hospitals being built and in all the new major extensions considerably improved accommodation is being provided for out-patients. In addition, I made some money available towards the end of last year to any hospital interested in providing amenities, facilities and comforts in existing out-patient departments. Therefore, the work of improving out-patient departments is continuing very extensively throughout the country all the time.
Question No. 7 postponed.