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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 1

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Military Hospital.

Michael Smith

Ceist:

13 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Defence what plans, if any, he has for the future of St. Bricin's Hospital, Dublin 8; if he will ensure that there are adequate staffing levels in that hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14637/96]

There are no plans at present to alter the status of St. Bricin's Hospital. Under the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan, which was approved by the Government on 5 March 1996, St. Bricin's Hospital, as one of a number of specialised services forming a Defence Forces logistics base, will provide general medical, surgical, some specialist services and medical supplies to the Defence Forces.

The staffing level at the hospital is kept under constant review.

The policy seems to be to treat them rough and tell them nothing. I understand there is only one ward open at present, that the staffing and nursing arrangements have been reduced from 22 to 15, that three of the administration staff have not been replaced and that the level of consultation and discussion about change is, to say the least, abominable. Because of the time constraints I will just ask the Minister to do one simple thing, that is to arrange to meet the staff to tell them what is happening and make arrangements for increased staffing and better consultation with the people who provide an efficient service to the Defence Forces in that hospital.

St. Bricin's Hospital will provide general medical, surgical, some specialist services and medical supplies to the Defence Forces. That is in accordance with the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan. There is no hidden agenda and there is no question of keeping people in the dark.

The medical and nursing staff in St. Bricin's Hospital include seven medical officers, two dentists, one chemist and 18 members of the Army Nursing Service. In addition, a number of specialists are engaged on a sessional basis.

The staff requirements are kept under review with a view to ensuring an adequate level of medical care for in-patient and out-patient treatment. There is no hidden agenda and it is my intention to keep a close eye on this in the course of the review which is taking place in accordance with the implementation plans. I repeat that there are no plans to downgrade or reduce any of the services provided in the hospital, which has a total of 64 beds and an operating theatre which caters for personnel from all units of the Defence Forces.

As well as in-patient treatment, the hospital also provides out-patient dental, X-ray, physiotherapy, psychiatric, ENT, pharmaceutical and sports injury services. I fail to see how anybody could argue that there is any downgrading of St. Bricin's Hospital.

Will the Minister make himself available to meet the staff whose morale is at an all time low?

I have no information to suggest that the statement made by the Deputy is accurate but I will, in the course of my visits, pay a visit to St. Bricin's Hospital in the near future.

Has the Minister not been there yet.

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