asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware of the highly unsatisfactory conditions obtaining at the casualty departments of many of our city hospitals, whereby intending patients have to wait three or four hours before receiving attention; if he will direct that a service more in keeping with the needs and the rights of citizens be provided forthwith; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Hospital Casualty Departments.
253.
I accept that due to the limitations imposed by the age and design of the buildings in which the accident and emergency departments of some of the Dublin city hospitals are accommodated, there are difficulties in providing the level of service desirable despite the best efforts of staff concerned.
However, I am satisfied that the plans for six major new hospitals in Dublin which are now well advanced will ensure that in the future the most up-to-date and comprehensive casualty service will be provided for the whole Dublin area.