Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action he intends to take to address the situation where there is only one nurse on duty at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon, between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., the number of patients currently being catered for in the hospital; if he is satisfied with this system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5045/04]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in the Roscommon area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Western Health Board. The board has advised that the Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon, currently provides care for 182 patients in four units. A number of rostering shifts prevail throughout the hospital. The staffing levels in each unit, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. is as follows: 5 p.m. — 5.30 p.m., three staff nurses and three attendants; 5.30 p.m. — 6 p.m., one staff nurse and three attendants; and 6 p.m. — 8 p.m., one staff nurse and two attendants.

The board has further advised that it has been experiencing huge difficulties in recruiting nursing staff for the hospital and it is currently seeking applications having recently placed an advertisement for staff nurses. The board hopes that this latest recruitment drive will enable it to proceed to fill the current vacant posts.