Vol. 383 No. 6
asked the Minister for Health the final allocations to Temple Street Hospital, Dublin 1 for each of the years from 1982 to 1988 inclusive: the number of (a) beds and (b) staff employed by the hospital for each year; and if he will make a statement on the very serious allegations made by the chairperson and consultant staff of this hospital in a report (details supplied) about the level of paediatric cover in this hospital.
23.
asked the Minister for Health when funds will be allocated in order that work may commence on the planned new extensions for the outpatients', accident and emergency departments at Temple Street Children's Hospital, Dublin 1.
26.
asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the future of Temple Street Children's Hospital, Dublin 1.
31.
asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the future of the hospitals catering for north Dublin city, with particular reference to Temple Street, Dublin 1; and whether that hospital is likely to close.
47.
asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the deteriorating situation in our children's hospitals; and the proposals, if any, he has to improve conditions, services and waiting lists.
53.
asked the Minister for Health his response to the concern expressed by the Board of the Childrens' Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1 regarding conditions in the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
64.
asked the Minister for Health if he will give an assessment of the problems in Temple Street Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
72.
asked the Minister for Health the outcome of his Department's investigations and reports into complaints of lack of beds for admissions in the children's hospitals in Dublin recently, arising out of casualty admissions from Temple Street Hospital, Dublin 1, the steps he proposes to take to ensure an adequacy of beds from now until the end of the year at Temple Street Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the provision of the new outpatients/casualty unit in the same hospital.
I intend to take Questions Nos. 15, 23, 26, 31, 47, 53, 64 and 72 together.
In response to concern expressed about conditions at the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, I have established a group to examine the problems of the hospital and I am awaiting the report of the group. The question of new developments at the hospital will be considered as part of this examination. I might just say, however, that there is no question of there being a crisis situation in the hospital or of children's lives being put at risk, as has been suggested.
I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that patients will continue to receive an excellent standard of care in all our hospitals, including in particular the children's hospitals and hospitals catering for north Dublin.
I propose to circulate in the Official Report a tabular statement showing the figures requested at the Children's Hospital, Temple Street.
Children's Hospital, Temple Street
|
Revised Allocation£m |
Number of Beds at end of year |
Total Staff Employed(Actual Numbers) |
|
|
1982 |
6.134 |
236 |
N.A.* |
|
1983 |
6.959 |
236 |
N.A.* |
|
1984 |
7.441 |
236 |
532 |
|
1985 |
7.902 |
236 |
507 |
|
1986 |
8.419 |
170 |
533 |
|
1987 |
7.995 |
169 |
502 |
|
1988 |
7.601 |
125 |
516 |
|
(incl. 14 day beds) |
*Not available.
**Beds in use at 1 October 1988.
Will the Minister clarify the statement by the management of Temple Street Hospital that during the month of September when admissions were sought to beds, as recommended by the A and E consultant, there were no beds available in Temple Street, Crumlin or Harcourt Street? Arising out of the report he has commissioned and visits by officials, can the Minister confirm whether this is true and, if so, state what arrangements he will make to rectify the situation?
I have been unable to establish that requests were made for beds, particularly in Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin, on the occasions mentioned.
Is the Minister aware of recent rumours that he intends to close Temple Street and will he make a statement on that? Will he clarify the position in relation to the atrocious facilities in the outpatient and casualty department which was on the verge of getting approval in 1986 for a £2.7 million construction programme?
I am well aware of the rumours and when I receive the report of the group who are looking into Temple Street I will make whatever decision is in the best interests of the children attending that hospital. I should reiterate, in relation to the hospital itself, that there is a very high morale obtaining among the nursing staff and a very high level of patient care and that there is no evidence that doctors or nurses are placing their patients at risk. I am well aware of statements made by consultants in the hospital. I might also reiterate — for the benefit of the House — the type of statements made which the group must examine and deal with. There were four main issues raised. These were the conditions in the casualty and admissions area of the hospital which were said to be so squalid and primitive — to use the words of a consultant — that it is a matter of time only before a child dies or suffers severe brain damage. Second, children with suspect bruising being sent home to possible violent abuse; third, children left unattended on trolleys overnight due to cutbacks and ward closures and, fourth, risks involved in transferring young patients to other Dublin hospitals by ambulance. When those allegations were investigated before we sent the group in — when the chief medical officer went up alone — he was unable to find evidence to substantiate them. In fact, on the question of trolleys, it appears that the hospital do not use trolleys, that beds are available in the casualty department. Those were some of the more serious allegations made against the hospital.
On the contrary I have to say that in the Irish Independent Catherine Troy wrote two full columns on the hospital in Temple Street and could find no cause whatsoever for concern. Therefore it is imperative that I await the report of the group who have been sent in. But I am satisfied that the children who attend Temple Street are receiving an excellent level of service.
Could the Minister——
The Chair has three priority questions to dispose of within the next five minutes. I am appealing to the Deputy to facilitate the other two Deputies, Deputies Howlin and Harney, so that their questions may be answered also.
Will the Minister take this opportunity to scotch the rumours that Temple Street Children's Hospital is going to be closed and its facilities moved into the Mater and Beaumont paediatric units? Will he say "yes" or "no"?
I am awaiting the report of the group I sent into Temple Street Hospital. As soon as I receive that report I will examine it carefully and take whatever decision is necessary in the interests of the children in the north city area who need treatment.
