Vol. 475 No. 4
114 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Health if water shortages have been experienced at Peamount Hospital, Dublin; if difficulties have been experienced with the ambulance service; if the hospital's ambulance was not available as it was being used during this period to transport patients; and the difficulties, if any, which were experienced when placing stretchers in the vehicle. [5243/97]
Limerick East): The hospital authorities at Peamount Hospital have advised that minor problems have arisen with the water supply to the hospital over the winter months and that these were due to fractures in the pipes which were quickly located and repaired. I am assured that at no time did these problems pose a danger to either patients or staff.
Due to the size of the site, it is necessary for Peamount Hospital to have an internal ambulance to transport the patients from the wards for specialist services such as x-ray, pulmonary function, bronchoscopes etc. Earlier this year, the internal ambulance was involved in an accident but I understand that there is currently a minibus at the hospital's disposal which can adequately cope with any transport requirements. The hospital authorities are preparing a submission for additional funding for a new ambulance in the near future.
