Vol. 473 No. 6
126 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Health the nursing staff/patient ratio in each of the long-term geriatric homes in the Western Health Board area; the corresponding figure for the Eastern Health Board region; and if he will make a statement on the comparative figures over the previous 20 year period at five yearly intervals commencing in 1970. [2257/97]
Limerick East): The Western Health Board and the Eastern Health Board are responsible for the management of services and deployment of staff in their own area. Staffing levels in long-term geriatric homes must be considered in the context of the level of resources available and each board's priorities for the development of services.
Historical data in relation to the nursing staff/patient ratio in the Eastern Health Board area for the years requested are not presently available. Following are the most recently available figures, which relate to 1996. Similarly, the Western Health Board is not in a position to supply a detailed breakdown, although data from 1980 forward is supplied.
The information supplied relates to the nursing staff/patient ratio. However, comparisons between health board areas and even individual units are not valid as the mix of non-nursing care staff may vary from unit to unit reflecting the overall nursing demand occasioned by the levels of dependency of the patients. Similarly, the level of day care services impacts strongly on the level of overnight service provided.
Nursing Staff/Patient Ratio in Long Stay Geriatric Homes.
Eastern Health Board 1996
|
Nurse Staff to Patient Ratio's |
|
|
Clonskeagh Hospital |
1:2.3 |
|
Cherry Orchard |
1:2.7 |
|
St. Clare's Home |
1:3.9 |
|
Bru Chaoimhin |
1:4 |
|
St. Brigid's Home |
1:3.4 |
|
St. Vincent's Hospital, Athy |
1:4 |
|
Baltinglass District Hospital |
1:5 |
|
Wicklow District Hospital |
1:2.7 |
|
St. Colman's Hospital |
1:3.3 |
|
St. Mary's Hospital |
1:2.6 |
|
Cuan Ros |
1:2.9 |
|
Nurse Staff to Patient Ratio's |
|
|
Year 1980 |
1:6.5 |
|
Year 1990 |
1:5.1 |
|
Year 1995 |
1:4.1 |
|
Year 1997 |
1:4.1 |
