Vol. 525 No. 2
415 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether elderly female patients should be bathed by male hospital attendants rather than nursing staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23832/00]
At all times the care of patients should be carried out in a sensitive, caring and professional manner. I understand that the normal practice is that the bathing of older people is usually carried out by nurses and or care attendants. In the case of male patients, the care attendants may be either male or female. In the case of a female patient, good practice is that the care attendant will be female. At all times the wishes of the patient and the patient's family are considered in relation to all aspects of care.
