andMr. Geoghegan asked the Minister for Health whether he has received proposals from the Galway County Council or the Western Health Institutions' Committee regarding the future of Woodlands Orthopaedic Hospital, Galway, and, if so, if he will give particulars of such proposals.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Woodlands (Galway) Orthopaedic Hospital.
As the Deputies are aware, accommodation for orthopaedic cases formerly catered for in Woodlands Orthopaedic Hospital has now been provided in the Merlin Park institution.
I have not received proposals from either the Galway County Council or the Western Health Institutions' Committee regarding the future use of the Woodlands hospital. The matter, however, has been the subject of some discussion with the Galway County Manager, who will no doubt, when his survey of hospital needs in the county has been completed, submit his proposals to the two bodies mentioned.
Is the Minister aware that the bed accommodation in the Regional Hospital is strictly limited and that persons recommended for treatment there have to wait long periods before being admitted? Will he indicate if he will be prepared to sanction the reopening of this hospital as an annex or auxiliary to the Regional Hospital rather than allow the building and valuable equipment therein to deteriorate?
I should point out to the Deputy that the problem of surplus hospital accommodation is becoming a very disturbing one. It must be the job of the Minister for Health to ensure that the health services are administered as economically and as efficiently as possible and that no institution that can be closed will be permitted to remain open.
With regard to the provision of bed space in the Regional Hospital, I am advised that bed space was planned originally on a very liberal basis and that it ought to be possible to put more beds into the hospital in question.