Vol. 427 No. 7
49 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who are in St. Ita's Hospital, Newcastle West, County Limerick and at St. Camillus Hospital Limerick; if there is extra provision for accommodation in these hospitals; the number of patients who are on a waiting list for each of these hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have been informed by the Mid-Western Health Board that there are 265 patients in St. Camillus' Hospital. Seven people are currently awaiting admission to the hospital. The extra accommodation available in St. Camillus' is for a new 22 bed long stay unit for the elderly mentally infirm which is due to open in April this year. The board also have plans for the development of a 25 place dedicated Day Hospital and a ten bed short stay hospital at St. Camillus'.
With regard to St. Ita's Hospital there are 150 patients in the hospital at present. There is no waiting list for admission to St. Ita's. The board state that there is no provision for extra accommodation in the hospital.
