Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 2

Written Answers - Hospital Accommodation.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

242 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a day ward of St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, accommodates both men and women; his views on whether this is appropriate; and if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the toilets are shared by male and female patients and with the general public. [24599/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I have made inquiries from St. James's Hospital into this matter and I understand that the ward in question is the surgical day unit at the hospital. It comprises two side rooms, each with toilet facilities, a six bedded room and a four bedded room, both with toilet and washing facilities.

Patients who are recovering immediately following surgical procedures are accommodated in the unit in a manner similar to a recovery room in an operating theatre which is standard practice in a number of hospitals.

I am not aware of any specific difficulties arising in this area. However, if the Deputy has been informed of a specific complaint he should contact the hospital management directly with full details to allow it to investigate the matter.