Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 8

Written Answers. - Hospital Supplies.

Willie Penrose

Question:

85 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health the reason there has been a change of policy directed in relation to the purchase of clothes and clothing items for patients at St. Loman's Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath, whereby it is now directed that clothes be purchased through a central purchasing committee rather than the system employed heretofore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17702/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The Midland Health Board is responsible for the delivery of services at St. Loman's Hospital, Mullingar. I am informed by the board that in order to ensure high standards in the range and quality of clothing available to patients, the purchasing of clothing is now a function of the central supplies department. The purchasing of the majority of hospital supplies comes within the ambit of that department.

The central supplies function was set up to ensure the achievement of efficiency of the purchasing function and to ensure competitiveness and value for money and standards as set out above.

The arrangements, as outlined, fall within the existing policy of the board which remains unchanged.