Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 4

Written Answers. - Cavan Hospital Services.

Andrew Boylan

Question:

164 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the serious effect the closure of wards in Cavan general hospital is going to have both on staff and patients; his views on this closure in addition to (1) the fact that some wards have not yet opened and (2) the problem of the shortage of equipment and staff while the hospital in Monaghan is being upgraded; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that patients are being removed from their beds to make way for accident cases and that the whole general operation of the hospital is a matter of grave public disquiet; and if he will outline his policy for this hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

As I have stated on many previous occasions, the level of hospital activity approved for 1990 will be maintained during 1991. There will, therefore, be no reduction in service at Cavan General Hospital or elsewhere.

The following table sets out the activity levels at the hospital to date:

Year	Beds	In-Patient Admissions	Discharges	Day Cases
1989	129	4,777	4,782	122
1990	170	7,453	7,420	676

The opening of the new Cavan General Hospital in 1989 marked a substantial upgrading of acute hospital services for the area. I would remind the Deputy of the considerable investment made in the project. Building costs came to £26 million and, in addition, £2.5 million was provided for equipment. The Deputy will also be pleased to learn that the new hospital has been given significantly increased staffing levels and consultant cover over the former surgical hospital and Lisdarn Hospital which it replaced. I think the Deputy will agree that the magnitude of this investment, at a time of economic constraints, is adequate testimony of the Government's commitment to the improvement of hospital services in Cavan.

With regard to Monaghan Hospital, there has been general agreement for some time that the improvement of outpatient services at that hospital is essential. Presumably the Deputy has no objection to this very necessary work being carried out and that it is not his intention to deny the people of Monaghan this basic facility.

I do not accept that patients are removed from their beds at Cavan General Hospital to make way for accident cases. The North-Eastern Health Board has confirmed that this has never been the case. The only time patients may be relocated is when it is in their best interest, having regard to the nature of the medical and nursing care they require.

Finally, I am not aware of `grave public disquiet' in relation to the operation of the hospital. In fact, the opposite would appear the case. The increased workload would indicate a high public acceptance of the service being provided, public confidence in the staff and public satisfaction with the new facilities.