Vol. 434 No. 4
170 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the unacceptable situation that pertains at University College Hospital, Galway, where emergency cases to casualty are often required to remain for a period of up to 16 hours before being admitted to bed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As the Deputy may be aware, I recently visited University College Hospital, Galway. I am keenly aware that the hospital has been dealing with continuous exceptional demands for services, and that there have been problems with delays in the A & E Department in recent times. However, efforts are being made to overcome these difficulties and the Western Health Board has increased the level of medical cover at the A & E Department which has been helpful in reducing waiting times in certain cases.
In addition, the Western Health Board has a number of proposals for improvements to ward accommodation, theatres, x-ray facilities and accident and emergency facilities which are under consideration by a joint working party, comprised of representatives of the Western Health Board and my Department.
This group was set up to examine the priority requirements of the hospital, and I expect to receive the group's report in the coming weeks.
