Vol. 473 No. 6
127 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Health if he will sanction additional funding to improve the staff/patient ratio at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar, County Mayo, where staff are currently overworked and to provide the additional resources to the Western Health Board in respect of requests for extra nursing staff at this hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2258/97]
Limerick East): The Western Health Board is responsible for the management of services and deployment of staff at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar, County Mayo. Any increase in staffing levels must be considered in the context of the level of resources available and the Western Health Board's priorities for the development of services.
In 1994 an additional two nursing posts were created at the Sacred Heart Hospital and in 1995 four additional non-nursing posts were created. In 1996 the Department provided funds for improvements in services for the elderly to allow the creation of two further posts.
Development funds have been provided in the Western Health Board's financial allocation for 1997 for the creation of a further nine posts in long stay units in the board's area. It is a matter for the board to decide how these posts are allocated.
128 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health the provision, if any, of counselling for parents of stillborn babies in maternity hospitals; if he will make provision for this service in all maternity hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2284/97]
Limerick East): While the detailed service arrangements are a matter for the individual hospitals, counselling of patients by trained hospital staff in the event of a stillbirth is an integral part of the service provided by maternity hospitals.
I have had inquiries made of a number of health board and voluntary hospitals into this area and I am assured that there are Protocols in place to deal with the unfortunate and traumatic occasion when a stillbirth occurs. For example, every effort is made to ensure that patients are afforded the maximum degree of privacy either in single rooms or in gynaecology wards which are located separately from maternity wards.
Counselling services are provided by trained members of the medical, nursing, social work and chaplaincy departments of hospitals during the in-patient stay. Follow-up counselling can be arranged as required.
If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, she might bring it to my attention and I will refer it to the appropriate agency.
