Vol. 408 No. 7
164 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Health whether his attention has been drawn to the proposed closure of the main metabolic ward at Temple Street Hospital, Dublin 1 for at least three months over the summer; his views on whether such a closure will have a detrimental effect on children requiring treatment and diagnosis and will result in a general downgrading of paediatric hospital services and facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Patients with metabolic disorders are accommodated in various wards in the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin. The hospital has advised me that during the summer months, when the demand for service generally is at its lowest, one 13-bed ward will not be in operation. The staff with particular expertise in dealing with metabolic patients will continue to be available to care for these children. There is no intention of downgrading paediatric hospital services and facilities at the hospital.
