Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

151 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the average number of patients on trolleys in the casualty unit of Roscommon County Hospital on any one day over the past three months; the action he is taking to resolve this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7174/01]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

153 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that the current overcrowding in Roscommon County Hospital does not contravene health and safety regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7177/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 153 together.

The provision of medical services to eligible persons is, in this instance, the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board. I understand from the board that there was an average of six to seven patients each day in the accident and emergency department of the County Hospital, Roscommon, awaiting in-patient accommodation over the past three months. These patients were accommodated on beds in the annex adjacent to the accident and emergency department. During this period there were peaks in activity when 15 to 16 patients were in the accident and emergency department awaiting in-patient accommodation.

I understand from the board that the number of attendances at the accident and emergency department during January 2001 exceeded that of January 2000 by 500. The number of admissions during January was 9% greater than in January 2000. The board has advised that a number of steps were taken to alleviate the problem: winter initiative contract beds were used extensively; general practitioners were contacted and made aware of the situation in the A&E department; and other hospitals within reasonable distance were contacted.

The Deputy will be aware that in December 1999 formal approval was given to an outline development control plan for the hospital and that a design team has been appointed for developments at the hospital which includes a new accident and emergency department, an admissions unit, a medical records department, radiology film storage, staff changing facilities and an ultrasound room at an estimated capital cost of over £4 million. The design team has developed an outline development plan. Approval to HPO stage two planning was given on 7 December 2000. The design team is now progressing with stage three which is the detailed planning of the project. It is expected that the construction work will commence on site in the autumn of 2001 with an estimated completion date of early 2003.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

152 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements he will make to ensure a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can access a speech therapist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7176/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of health related services, including speech and language therapy, to people with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the relevant health board. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 151.