Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Jun 1993

Vol. 432 No. 2

Written Answers. - Mullingar (Westmeath) Hospital.

Paul McGrath

Question:

114 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of patients in St. Mary's Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath at 1 December in each of the years 1980, 1985, 1990, 1991 and 1992; the number of nurses, that is, full-time equivalents, at each of these dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to patients in St. Mary's Hospital, Mullingar is set out in the following table. My Department collects this information for 31 December only.

Number of Patients in St. Mary's Hospital, Mullingar

Year	Number of Patients at 31 December
1980	187
1985	197
1990	132
1991	141
1992	130

The number of whole-time equivalent nurses at 31 December 1990 and 1991 are 41.48 and 47.80 respectively. No comparable information is available for 1980 and 1985. Data in respect of 1992 is currently being compiled and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.