asked the Minister for Health whether any further rationalisation in the provision of services offered has taken place in Dublin hospitals, such as the sharing of expensive equipment on the basis of the co-operation already achieved in the usage of common laundry facilities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Hospital Services.
58.
Mr. O'Leary
Mr. O'Malley
Earlier this year, with the co-operation and encouragement of the Dublin voluntary hospitals and the Dublin Health Authority, my predecessor set up the Hospital Sterile Supplies Board to organise and provide a centralised service of sterile hospital goods. The planning of this service is now well under way. Since then, consideration has been given to establishing a central laundry service on a similar basis and towards this end my Department had, recently, a preliminary discussion with representatives of the Dublin voluntary hospitals. It was clear that the idea was generally acceptable to them. A detailed scheme for such a service is now being prepared. The Deputy may be assured that should any other possibilities present themselves for the sharing of expensive hospital services or equipment I shall have them fully examined.