Vol. 373 No. 12
asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the reduction in the number of public health nurses is creating a major problem in community services; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that hospitals, expecially during the winter period, were under extreme pressure to admit patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
159.
asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the difficulty in finding accommodation in hospitals and homes for the aged during the recent winter period; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 159 together.
There has been no significant reduction in the numbers of public health nurses employed by the health boards. However, difficulties are being experienced in some areas due to the non-replacement of nurses on annual, sick or maternity leave. In such cases the health boards are endeavouring to redeploy nurses or to redraw areas served in order to minimise inconvenience to eligibile persons.
While I was not in office during the winter period I understand that hospitals in all health board areas were able to cope and that no major problems arose. However, as I made clear to the House during the recent Estimates debates, the improvement of accommodation and services for the chronic sick and terminally ill will receive particular attention to part of the review of the acute hospital sector.
I am determined to ensure that the most needy and vulnerable in our society will be taken care of.
