asked the Minister for Health the current staffing level; the staffing level in 1986; the change in working conditions, at St. Ita's Hospital, Portrane and his views on whether the present staffing levels are adequate; and, if not, the steps, if any, he intends to take in this matter.
Written Answers. - Portrane (Dublin) Hospital Staffing.
102.
The staffing level at St. Ita's Hospital, Portrane, as at September 1987 was 794 compared to 818 in July 1986. In the same period the in-patient population in St. Ita's was reduced from 871 to 834. The main change in working conditions at St. Ita's Hospital, related to the reduction in staffing levels as indicated which was in line with the overall reduction throughout the Eastern Health Board service generally together with the implementation of revised duty rosters which eliminated rostered overtime on both day and night duty. The Eastern Health Board is satisfied that it is providing an appropriate service at St. Ita's Hospital.