In March this year a report was produced by Betty Brady, the Director of Nursing Studies in Dublin City University. The Health Services Employers Agency recommended that she compile the report. The study highlighted the urgent need for extra funding, staffing and equipment for the hospital, which provides care for almost 300 geriatric patients, many of whom are seriously ill.
I had to invoke the Freedom of Information Act to gain access to this report. Even then, I was only permitted to see the executive summary. It is appalling that the findings of such a study are not freely available. What is the reason for that? With £4 billion swelling the Government's coffers, it is unbelievable that an urgent need for funding and facilities at a hospital such as St. John's can be ignored. The executive summary of the report makes it clear that urgent action is required if patients are to be adequately cared for. However, the health board has put little funding, with the exception of £100,000, into St. John's to date.
I appeal to the Minister to provide for stage two, the development of the day centre at St. John's Hospital. This development consists of a day hospital which is long overdue. The facility available at present was adequate for the needs of 1989 when there were 20 patients attending the day hospital. At present, there are 80 patients attending.
The services provided in the hospital include a doctor on duty, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, eye testing clinic, dental clinic, chiropodist, speech therapist, social worker, pastoral care and dietician. There are also aids and appliances available for patients. The patients attend the services from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can avail of a bath, a shower, music and bingo. They have their lunch there and there are a range of activities.
The service, which was designed for 20 patients in 1989, is inadequate for current needs. The stage one development was completed four years ago with a state-of-the-art foyer, shop and reception area. This completely transformed the hospital, but what is urgently required is funding for stage two which is essential for the care of patients attending the day services. It is an invaluable facility which is under huge pressure catering for its 300 patients.
I appeal to the Minister to take on board the main recommendations of the Betty Brady report. Its conclusion states:
It is important to highlight in conclusion, that the staff of the hospital have demonstrated throughout this study process a very high degree of commitment. It is evident from the ward audits, comment sheets and consultations with staff on the ground, that there is a great sense of caring for the patients. However, it is clear that they are being asked to work under extremely difficult conditions.
The WLI and acuity levels within the hospital are very high. Staffing is inadequate. Facilities, maintenance and equipment fall short of expected standards. There is an urgent need to begin to address in a systematic way the resolutions of these problems and the implementation of the recommendations in this report.
The report also states:
There is a need for greater communication from the health board to staff regarding priorities and management planning. . There is a need for a review of transport arrangements . There is a need for a review of the role of voluntary agencies in the area in areas such as the visiting and entertaining of patients, provision of social and educational stimulation. Links with local community groups, businesses and educational establishments can produce a significant support network for the hospital which can act as a significant supplement to the work of the staff employed in the hospital.
Because of the significant shortage of staff and the high levels of dependency, there is a lack of a holistic approach to the caring of the patients. There have been many developments in the care of the elderly in recent years, particularly in the stimulation of the various senses and enlightened approaches to the treatment of confused mobile patients. Staff within the hospital are aware of these developments but cannot implement them because of the shortage of staff.
I appeal to the Minister of State to take on board the Betty Brady report and provide funding for stage two of the day centre which is urgently needed.