Vol. 541 No. 2
521 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of understaffing regarding consultants, junior doctors and nursing posts in each of the hospitals in the North-Eastern Health Board area; the number of vacant beds in each hospital; the reason for such vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21793/01]
I have contacted the North-Eastern Health Board in relation to this question and they have forwarded the following information: Louth/Meath hospital group, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda – at present there is a full complement of consultants and junior doctors. There are eight temporary vacancies in nursing posts resulting from sick leave, maternity leave etc. The bed situation as at 27 September 2001 is that there are 20 beds out of use, the reason being the human resource shortage of nurses. Over the past three or four months this number has varied between eight and 20.
In regard to Louth County Hospital, at present there are no vacancies regarding junior doctors and nursing staff. There are three temporary locum consultants. There are 14 beds out of use due to the closure of the maternity ward earlier this year.
In regard to Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, there are no vacancies for consultants or junior doctors. There are six nursing posts vacant and all beds are currently in use.
In regard to the Cavan-Monaghan hospital group, there are no vacancies for consultants,
junior doctors or nurses in the Cavan-Monaghan hospital group. There are no funded beds in the Cavan-Monaghan hospital group currently out of use as a result of understaffing in nursing or any other discipline or for any other reason.
