asked the Minister for Health if routine admissions to the Mater Hospital, Dublin 7 have been suspended or seriously reduced; if outpatients clinics in the hospital have been gravely affected; the reasons for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dublin Hospital Admissions.
150.
Routine admissions to the Mater Hospital have not been suspended or seriously reduced. The numbers on waiting lists have not varied significantly. An increasingly large number of patients are being dealt with at out-patient clinics. In addition increased use is being made of five day wards which have a higher percentage occupancy and quicker throughput.
When the hospital is or has been on accident and emergency call, routine admission can be delayed. Priority must be given to those cases which are regarded as most urgent, as determined by clinical criteria. However, the hospital authorities, in consultation with my Department and the Eastern Health Board, are endeavouring to minimise the effect of this.
There has also been an increase in the number of out-patient clinics at the hospital in recent months.