asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that applicants for medical assistance who attend Grattan Street Dispensary, Cork, are kept waiting in the open street pending the arrival of the medical officer; and if, in view of the fact that seating accommodation is available in the dispensary, he will ascertain whether it is proposed to discontinue the existing practice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Assistance in Cork.
The dispensary doctors attend at the Grattan Street Dispensary, Cork, at 11 a.m. On inquiry, following receipt of the Deputy's question, I have been informed by the health authority that on a recent occasion a large number of people attended the dispensary at around 9.30 a.m. accompanied by children who were playing about in the waiting room and that in view of the noise they were advised to come back when the doctors were in attendance. It is denied that they were told to wait outside in the street. I am also informed that the Assistant County Manager, when his attention was drawn to the matter, issued instructions that in future persons attending at the dispensary are to be permitted to wait in the waiting room.