Vol. 533 No. 4
141 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will publish the hospitals in which the conditions of residences of non-consultant hospital doctors have serious deficiencies, arising from the nationwide survey of nearly 50 hospitals by the Irish Medical Organisation. [9319/01]
As part of the recently concluded agreement with non-consultant hospital doctors, it was agreed that where appropriate, a programme of refurbishment of residences will commence. A joint group comprising of representatives of the Health Service Employers Agency and the Irish Medical Organisation was established to identify and agree on areas for refurbishment on a priority basis.
The Health Service Employers Agency has undertaken a national audit of non-consultant hospital doctor accommodation. This survey found that overall the standard of accommodation is reasonable, with some areas, however, in need of attention. An Irish Medical Organisation questionnaire elicited approximately 23 responses and identified some hospitals where it was claimed that the level of accommodation was not of an acceptable standard.
It has been agreed to work through difficulties which arise with the intention of upgrading or refurbishing on-call residences to an acceptable level. At present, health management is carrying out a survey of those areas identified as being in need of most attention.
