asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that due to cutbacks in the health services staff levels in hospitals are not adequate to cope with demands on them, particularly when a hospital is "on call" for casualty service; and if he will give an assurance that adequate resources will be provided to maintain a high standard of hospital care.
Written Answers. - Hospitals Staffing Levels.
274.
I am aware that the present constraints on resources and staffing numbers are making it difficult for hospital authorities to cope with demands on them. Various studies and exercises are at present being engaged in with a view to making the services more effective and efficient. I would hope that as a result of these studies hospital authorities will be able to achieve economies which will enable them to maintain a high standard of hospital care with their existing resources.