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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 1

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

158 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the immediate action he will take in regard to the severe shortage of geriatric hospital beds in Waterford city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16418/00]

As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in Waterford is a matter for the South Eastern Health Board.

I have had inquiries made of the South Eastern Health Board and have been advised that arising from the recent increase in medical admissions to Waterford Regional Hospital, the majority of which are older people, an additional 18 bed medical unit has been opened at the hospital. The board has a number of priorities for 2000 in relation to services for older people in the Waterford area. These include, the upgrading of St. Joseph's hospital, Dungarvan, through the commissioning of St. Enda's ward, which has recently been completed. In addition a number of other projects are proposed, including completing the refurbishment and upgrading of St. Malachy's ward, St. Patrick's hospital, Waterford, in conjunction with the Friends of St. Patrick's; development of additional services for carers including day care and respite care and home support services; strengthening multidisciplinary teams through the appointment of additional posts of occupational therapists and speech and language therapists; and the further development of existing inpatient services reflecting both increased care dependency and increasing specialist and support care needs in sub-acute and long-stay care by further developing access to para-medical services and additional staffing.

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