asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a report that an old age pensioner living with her husband in a house 20 feet below road level and without water or light failed to gain admittance to the District Hospital, Abbeyleix, County Laois, three days before her death; and what action he intends to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Old Age Pensioner.
64.
Mr. O'Malley
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy has drawn attention. I am advised that it was not possible to provide a bed for this patient in the District Hospital, Abbeyleix, as all the accommodation there was full at the time it was requested. The patient, who was under the care of the local district medical officer, and was being attended daily by the district nurse, was then offered a bed in St. Vincent's Hospital, Mountmellick. The patient was, however, unwilling to enter that institution.