asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that services have been curtailed at Louth County Hospital, Dundalk, as a result of financial cutbacks by his Department; if he will outline the further cutbacks which will occur at this hospital in (a) general services (b) geriatric services and (c) maternity services; if the level of medical and non-medical staff will be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Louth County Hospital.
115.
The provision of the hospital services at Louth County Hospital is a matter for the North Eastern Health Board in the first instance.
Some ward accommodation was closed on a temporary basis for a short period during the summer when demand is traditionally low and this may be repeated over the Christmas holiday period. At all times arrangements are in place to ensure that emergencies are dealt with.
The recent opening of the new geriatric hospital in Dundalk has, in fact, considerably improved the services for geriatric patients and the maternity services at the hospital have been expanded considerably in recent times.
The level of staffing in the hospital will be a matter for the board in the context of the maintenance of the level of services for the area and the board's allocation for 1988.