Vol. 446 No. 3
270 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health the numbers on the waiting list for the detox unit in Beaumont; the numbers catered for by this unit; the waiting period involved; and the plans, if any, he has to provide additional detox facilities in Dublin. [2104/94]
There are at present 53 patients on the waiting list for the detoxification unit in Beaumont Hospital. This is a 10 bedded unit. On average the waiting period for admittance to the unit is 4-6 weeks. However there are exceptions to this. Groups with special needs e.g. pregnant women, patients referred from general hospitals following treatment for specific complaints or particularly chaotic patients are admitted as priority patients. The average length of stay in the unit has increased for a number of reasons. Primarily this is as a result of HIV/AIDS issues and having to detoxify intravenous drug misusers off concurrent abuse of benzodiazepines which can take several weeks.
I understand that the Eastern Health Board has plans at an advanced stage for the provision of additional detoxification beds in Dublin. The board will be discussing its proposals in this regard with my Department in the near future.
