asked the Minister for Health the number of VD clinics operating in Dublin at present, their precise location and hours of opening and the number of admissions to those clinics for each of the years 1971 to 1979 inclusive.
23.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin VD Clinics.
22.
asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to establish any follow-up service in connection with the VD clinics and if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together.
The statistical information requested by the Deputy in respect of the years 1971 to 1979 is set out in a tabular statement, which I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate with the Official Report.
As regards the Deputy's question concerning the follow-up services, such services, including a contact tracing system, are currently functioning in the Dublin area. Patients are requested to return to the clinics at specified intervals and contact is maintained with them over a period ranging from six months to five years, depending on the specific form of infection involved. Patients who fail to keep their appointments are contacted by letter, unless they have indicated that they do not wish to be so contacted, or, in the case of female patients, a social worker will make appropriate contact.
Following is the statement:
Venereal Diseases Clinics Operating in Dublin
|
Location |
Hours of Opening |
Number of Admissions |
||||||||
|
1971 |
1972 |
1973 |
1974 |
1975 |
1976 |
1977 |
1978 |
1979 |
||
|
Mater MisericordiaeHospitalNorth Circular RoadDublin 7 |
Male: Wednesday 5-7 p.m.Thursday 5-7 p.m.Female: Tuesday 4-7 p.m.Thursday 3-4 p.m. |
370 |
459 |
559 |
602 |
746 |
648 |
628 |
518 |
551 |
|
Sir Patrick Dun'sHospitalGrand Canal StreetDublin 2 |
Male: Monday 5-6.30 p.m.Friday 5-6.30 p.m.Female: Tuesday 5-6.30 p.m.Thursday 4.30-6.30 p.m. |
514 |
417 |
379 |
437 |
445 |
468 |
498 |
438 |
463 |
|
Dr. SteevensHospitalSteevens LaneDublin 8 |
Male: Tuesday 5-6 p.m.Thursday 5-6 p.m.Saturday 10-11 a.m.Female: Monday 3-4.30 p.m.Friday 12-1 p.m. |
492 |
581 |
654 |
648 |
683 |
742 |
580 |
613 |
766 |
|
Total |
1,176 |
1,457 |
1,592 |
1,687 |
1,874 |
1,858 |
1,706 |
1,569 |
1,780 |
In relation to the second question, can the Minister say whether he has requested the Health Education Bureau to participate in this field?
I am not aware of whether they are currently doing any work in that area. I will inquire as to what plans they have.
Would the Minister not agree that it would be a more beneficial area than some of the activities they have been engaged in in the past?
Comparisons between different areas are odious. The areas they are working in currently are very important ones.
It was in the past I referred to.
If the Deputy could be more specific, I will deal with it but the areas they have been working in are important. I will have discussions with them about this matter.
It might be better than toothbrushes.