asked the Minister for Health if he has received any reports of a fire hazard at St. Mary's Hospital, Phoenix Park, Dublin; and, if so, the action taken on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Fire Hazards.
28.
The Eastern Health Board have submitted an outline programme of improvements to St. Mary's Hospital to be effected over the next three to five years. In the course of his report on the proposed improvements, the architect suggested that the development of the hospital should include removal of certain fire hazards. The proposed improvements are being considered and an inspection by medical and architectural officers of my Department will be made soon.
Can I take it from the Minister that there is at present a fire hazard in St. Mary's Hospital, Phoenix Park?
As I said in the reply, the architect, in his report on the proposed improvements, suggested the development of the hospital should include the removal of certain fire hazards.
Is the Minister aware that St. Mary's Hospital accommodates some very elderly patients and, as a result, the risk is compounded?
I appreciate that, but as far as I am aware there is a 24-hour watch, so to speak, to ensure that there will not be an outbreak of fire.
But there is a fire hazard.
I am afraid many hospitals are in the same condition, and this is something which has to be tackled.
29.
asked the Minister for Health if he has received any reports that the hospital at Crooksling, County Dublin, presents a serious fire hazard; and, if so, the action being taken in this regard.
I have received such reports. Crooksling Hospital is an old building and is of such a construction that it represents a fire hazard and, in my view, should be phased out of service whenever alternative accommodation for those housed in it can be provided.
In the meantime everything possible is being done to minimise risks. A 24-hour patrol by male staff to cover fire hazards is maintained and continuous contact is kept between the Fire Officer, Eastern Health Board and the Fire Protection Officer, Dublin Corporation.
In view of the fact that a fire hazard exists here, where geriatric patients are accommodated, could the matter be looked at urgently, not merely by having patrols but by having the hazard eliminated?
The Deputy, being a member of the Eastern Health Board, might have a little more personal knowledge than I would have of Crooksling, but the difficulty is to find accommodation for these 200 elderly female patients. It is proposed that they get accommodation in three or four other places, but this will take some time. I am informed there will be 40 beds available for these people during this autumn and that next year there will be 80 beds available as well for patients who are now in Crooksling.
30.
asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that all hospitals are fitted with emergency fire escapes.
The provision of suitable exits or means of escape from hospital buildings is primarily the responsibility of the hospital management. The fire protection standards issued by the Department of Local Government in 1967 lay down that "Exits or means of escape in all buildings have to be considered on the merits of each case." Buildings of modern design conforming with these standards do not need to be fitted with emergency fire escapes in the sense the Deputy has in mind.
In regard to this problem generally, circular letters have been issued to health boards by my Department drawing attention to the fire hazards in hospitals; requesting that steps be taken to minimise the danger of fires occurring and urging that suitable arrangements be made for the safe evacuation of patients and staff where a fire does occur. The Hospitals Commission have issued similar circulars to the voluntary hospitals. I understand from the chief executive officers of the health boards that they are actively following up this advice and exhortation.
The Minister says hospitals of modern design do not present these problems, but there are very few hospitals of modern design in Ireland. There are only one or two, to my knowledge.
This is so, but I cannot be expected to correct it in four months.
The Minister is not responsible, but the Department have been.
I do not think the Deputy should talk about the Department. The Minister for Health is responsible for the Department.