asked the Minister for Health if the situation in Donegal District Hospital is acceptable in that since the services of the porter have been dispensed with between the hours of 12 midnight and 8 a.m. there are only two female nurses on duty with total responsibility for between 20 and 33 patients; and if he agrees that the porter should be reinstated in case of emergencies during the hours mentioned.
Written Answers. - Donegal District Hospital.
488.
Mr. Coughlan
The staffing arrangements at Donegal District Hospital are a matter for the North-Western Health Board in the first instance and the present staffing arrangements for night cover have been in operation for about two years and have proved to be satisfactory. There are currently two nurses rostered to work nights in the hospital. No porters are rostered for night duty. Special arrangements, including the deployment of a third nurse on night duty, are made from time to time if considered necessary.