asked the Minister for Health what further steps he has taken to provide a maternity unit on the grounds of the county home, Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Health Services.
4.
As indicated in my reply to a previous question by the Deputy on 10th November, the location of a maternity unit at Dungarvan has been the subject of correspondence between my Department and the Waterford Health Authority. The latest proposal by the health authority which was submitted to my Department on 2nd December, was to erect a prefabricated building adjacent to the district hospital, to serve as a maternity unit. It has been pointed out to the health authority that it would take some time to plan and build such a unit and that, in the meantime, there would be no maternity facilities in the area. In addition, it was most unlikely that such a unit would be erected before 1st April next when responsibility for the health services in the area will be assumed by the South-Eastern Health Board and it would be inappropriate for me to accord approval to a project of this nature before the board had an opportunity of assessing the requirements and formulating proposals for a long-term solution to the problem.
The health authority had previously been informed that it was of paramount importance that (1) maternity facilities be provided quickly to serve the needs of the area and (2) that surgery be transferred from Dungarvan to Ardkeen Hospital, because of the inadequacy of the facilities in Dungarvan. In the circumstances the best possible short-term solution to the problem would be to locate a maternity unit in the district hospital in the space now occupied by surgical patients. The health authority have been urged to reconsider the matter on these lines.
Is the Minister aware that, in fact, there is no maternity unit at any place other than Ardkeen to serve the whole of County Waterford? Is he further aware that plans for such a maternity unit in Dungarvan were approved in 1953? Instead of progressing in the field of health we are going backward. The only things we appear to be getting are reports and reports are no good to sick people.
I can only tell the Deputy a proposal has been made for the use of Dungarvan Hospital for maternity patients and that is the only practical solution at the moment.
Since 1953 plans have been made for a new maternity unit.
5.
asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to establish a paediatric unit in Waterford city; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
On 30th July, 1970, my Department informed the Waterford Health Authority that I would be prepared to agree to a proposal for the creation of a wholetime office of paediatrician under the authority, subject to satisfactory arrangements being made for the allocation of paediatric beds at Ardkeen Hospital. The letter from my Department suggested that as a short-term arrangement, the health authority might investigate the possibility of making such beds available by a reorganisation of existing accommodation at Ardkeen Hospital. I understand that the health authority will shortly be submitting proposals on these lines to my Department.
Can the Minister indicate when a decision will be taken? Will it be a year or six months?
Ten years?
I have not had proposals, so I could not tell the Deputy.
6.
asked the Minister for Health if Waterford Health Authority have sent proposals to him for a new health clinic at Newgate Street, Waterford city; if he will sanction these proposals as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
7.
andMr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Health if he has received proposals from Waterford Health Authority for the erection of a new health clinic at Newgate Street, Waterford; and, if so, how soon sanction for same will be forthcoming.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.
The proposal is at present being examined. Some further information is necessary before a final decision can be given and my Department is in communication with the manager on the matter.
Can the Minister indicate when the decision is likely to be given?
Not until I receive the information.
Does he think it will take months or years?
I do not think it will take that long. I shall have to look at it.