Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Nov 1994

Vol. 447 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Dublin Hospital Facilities.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

300 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if he will have arrangements made to examine the facilities available at a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 10 where older patients appear to regress, according to reports, in spite of the best efforts of the staff in view of the fact that there is a lack of stimulating facilities such as piped television, hall phones, a tea machine and other such facilities; if he will have this matter examined and ensure that resources which are tailored to the needs of older patients are made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3197/94]

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

Since the publication of the report "The Years Ahead", the main focus of policy for the elderly has been to support the care of dependent elderly people at home for as long as possible and to ensure that when elderly people can no longer be cared for at home, that there are appropriate specialist and extended care facilities to meet their needs.

Unit 6, Cherry Orchard Hospital was re-opened by the Eastern Health Board in December, 1993 to provide for the transfer of 26 elderly patients from the acute general hospitals who had been medically assessed as in need of that level of care.

Services provided for patients in this unit include physiotherapy, as well as recreational, diversional and reminiscent therapy. Patients are also encouraged to participate in board games, crosswords, story telling/ conversation, singing and physical exercises. All patients have access to telephone facilities, if required.

The board state that due to the high dependency levels of patients, the medical management of the hospital do not consider it appropriate to have tea machine facilities in the Unit. However, nursing or care staff provide beverages for patients on request.