Vol. 436 No. 6
7 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the situation in the Military Hospital, Collins Barracks, Cork, where, on occasions, only one nurse is available for a 12 hour shift in a 32 bed capacity medical unit; and his views on whether this is a reasonable situation.
14 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the number of medical, nursing and paramedical staff, respectively, in the Military Hospital, Collins Barracks, Cork.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 14 together.
While the military hospital at Collins Barracks, Cork, has a capacity of 32 beds, the average bed occupancy is 15. The hospital also provides an outpatients facility. The staff of the hospital includes two medical officers, a pharmacist, a matron, an assistant matron, a staff sister and 12 ward sisters. A number of non-commissioned officers and privates of the medical corps provide a wide range of paramedical services at the hospital. Additional members of the medical corps, including a dental officer, are also available to the hospital.
I am satisfied that the staffing arrangements at the hospital are adequate. However, the matter is being kept under review by the military authorities.
