asked the Minister for Health whether he considers (a) the appointment of a resident medical superintendent at Galway Central Hospital a matter of urgency, and, if so, for what reasons, and (b) that a person lacking a competent knowledge of Irish could satisfactorily perform the duties of the new office, and, if not, whether he will declare such knowledge to be an essential qualification for the post.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Galway Hospital Resident Medical Superintendent.
I consider that the appointment of a resident medical superintendent in the Galway Central Hospital is a matter of urgency. The reasons for this appointment were communicated in detail to the Galway County Manager in a letter dated the 22nd August, 1946. Briefly, the appointment is being made because experience has shown that it is essential to the efficient functioning of the hospital that there should be on the staff a medical officer who will be responsible for (1) superintending the general management and administration of the institution; (2) exercising general supervision and control over all officers in the institution and seeing that such officers perform their respective duties; and (3) supervising all arrangements for the comfort and welfare of the patients.
I am most anxious indeed that the person holding the post should have a competent knowledge of Irish and would be very glad if it were possible to obtain the services of such a person who, in addition, would possess the high technical qualifications and experience required. My own experience and that of the previous administration has, unfortunately, shown this to be unlikely. In the circumstances, I was very reluctantly obliged to refrain from declaring a competent knowledge of Irish to be an essential qualification for the post.
The regulations prescribe, however, that subject to the other provisions—
(a) The best qualified candidate from amongst those who possess a competent knowledge of Irish will, if otherwise suitable, be recommended to the local authority for appointment to the vacant post.
(b) If no qualified and suitable candidate possessing a competent knowledge of Irish is available, the best qualified candidate from amongst those who possess a good knowledge of Irish will, if otherwise suitable, be recommended.
(c) If no qualified and suitable candidate with a good knowledge of Irish is available, the best qualified candidate, if otherwise suitable, will be recommended.
The duties attaching to the office are concerned mainly with the medical administration of the hospital and do not include the treatment of patients. The ordinary doctor-patient relationship will not, therefore, exist between the resident medical superintendent and the patients.
Can the Minister say if the doctor who is to be appointed as resident medical superintendent will have complete charge of the medical, surgical and maternity staff?
I alluded to the functions of this medical superintendent in my reply, and, if I may repeat them, they are (1) superintending the general management and administration of the institution; (2) exercising general supervision and control over all officers in the institution and seeing that such officers perform their respective duties; and (3) supervising all arrangements for the comfort and welfare of the patients.
Is the Minister of the opinion that the remuneration offered is sufficient to secure for us the type of person who is capable of outlining the duties of the surgeons, the medical staff and maternity staff of Galway General Hospital? I do not think it is possible to get a man sufficiently qualified on the basis of the remuneration offered.
That does not really come within the scope of the question, but I should like to point out that this officer will have merely general duties and will not have any powers to give specific instructions to the surgeons, physicians or gynæcologists in relation to their particular tasks. His control will be of a general supervisory nature.