Vol. 560 No. 1
699 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider using Peamount Hospital in Newcastle as a long-term care facility for the elderly to alleviate pressure on beds in other hospitals. [1647/03]
The provision of health services in Dublin is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority. It is understood from the authority that there are currently 50 beds dedicated to the care of the elderly, 46 of which are long stay, the remaining four are for respite care in Peamount Hospital. All of these 50 beds are currently occupied. These facilities were introduced in response to pressures in the acute hospitals in previous years. The remaining beds in Peamount Hospital are divided up between intellectual disabilities, young chronic sick, and specialist acute beds for the management of tuberculosis and respiratory illness. The authority and the South-Western Area Health Board are working closely with Peamount Hospital on opportunities for the enhancement and development of services in line with regional needs.
Question No. 700 answered with Question No. 595.
