Vol. 449 No. 1
72 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health the number of patients on the waiting list for admission to the National Rehabilitation Centre at Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin; the length of time including the longest time they must wait before admission; and the plans, if any, he has to improve the facilities available for people with serious physical disability. [3126/95]
Limerick East): The number of patients currently on the waiting list for admission to the National Rehabilitation Hospital is 103. The Deputy will be aware that the length of time a patient must wait before admission to hospital is based on a number of factors, the most important of which is clinical need. Urgent cases are always given priority. The waiting time, therefore, will vary depending on the type of injury or illness and the general health status of the person concerned.
The Deputy will appreciate that patients on the waiting list for admission to the National Rehabilitation Hospital differ from those waiting for admission to acute general hospitals. A large number of patients admitted to the National Rehabilitation Hospital are referred directly from general hospitals or other appropriate centres where they are already receiving in-patient treatment. It would not be unusual for patients to be placed on the waiting list for admission to the National Rehabilitation Hospital immediately upon admission to the referring hospital, in anticipation of transfer when their condition warranted such a move. This practise can obviously have a distorting effect on the hospital's waiting list.
In view of the fact that the National Rehabilitation Hospital has been treating increasing numbers of brain-injured patients, my Department recently approved plans to develop a new unit in the hospital to cater specifically for these individuals. Building and refurbishment work on the new unit will be completed shortly and it is anticipated that the unit will be commissioned in the coming months. In addition, a new Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine took up clinical duties on 1 January 1995. The new consultant has been given the task of developing the head injury rehabilitation service at the hospital.
I am confident that the effect of these measures will serve to enhance further the level of services provided at the National Rehabilitation Hospital.
73 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Health the number of applications in each health board area under the housing aid for the elderly scheme with work outstanding on 31 December 1994. [3127/95]
Limerick East): The number of applications under the housing aid scheme for the elderly with work outstanding on 31 December 1994 in each health board area is as follows:
|
Health Board |
Number of Applications with Work Outstanding |
|
Eastern Health Board |
483 |
|
Midland Health Board |
562 |
|
Mid-Western Health Board |
379 |
|
North-Eastern Health Board |
870 |
|
North-Western Health Board |
174 |
|
South-Eastern Health Board |
393 |
|
Southern Health Board |
195 |
|
Western Health Board |
739 |
