Vol. 406 No. 7
225 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if any progress has been made in connection with the proposals to build a purpose built nurses home on the Beaumont Hospital campus, Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the number of patient hospital beds that are being occupied by nurses due to the absence of nurses accommodation.
I understand from Beaumont Hospital that 20 student nurses are currently being accommodated in an unopened 35 bed ward, which is also used for personnel on call.
The provision of designated nurses accommodation is being kept under review in the light of the many other competing demands for resources at this hospital.
226 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if any progress has been made in relation to the private consultant accommodation on the Beaumont Hospital campus, Dublin 9; and if he has satisfied himself with the present use of part of the paediatric unit as the consultant's rooms.
I understand from Beaumont Hospital that negotiations are taking place regarding the lease of a site at the hospital for the purpose of building private accommodation for consultants.
I am satisfied with current arrangements made by the hospital in regard to the deployment of its accommodation. This includes the use of approximately half of the paediatric unit as a private clinic for consultants pending the construction of a separate clinic. This arrangement does not affect the provision of an adequate level of paediatric services in the north Dublin city area.
227 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the purpose built psychiatric unit in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, is not being utilised for psychiatric use; if he will intervene to ensure that this facility can be properly utilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the need to establish acute psychiatric services at Beaumont Hospital as soon as possible. My Department have been involved in discussions with the hospital management and the Eastern Health Board with a view to reaching agreement on the provision of a comprehensive psychiatric service for the catchment area, including the opening of the psychiatric unit at Beaumont Hospital. Further discussions will take place shortly for the purposes of agreeing on a number of outstanding issues which will hopefully lead to the commencement of an integrated psychiatric service at Beaumont Hospital.
