asked the Minister for Health if he will state, with reference to the proposed appointment of a resident medical superintendent at Galway Central Hospital, whether the duties advertised as attaching to the office are the same as those now being performed by the lay superintendent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Central Hospital Appointment.
The duties advertised as attaching to the office of resident medical superintendent at Galway Central Hospital are not the same as those now being performed by the lay superintendent, although some of the duties which are being performed at present by the lay superintendent will be transferred to the resident medical superintendent as it has been found that such duties can only be performed satisfactorily by a person who possesses the professional qualifications declared for the office.
Will the Minister indicate whether the duties of the resident medical superintendent will include the superintendence of the visiting medical staff in the carrying out of their duties?
The duties of the resident medical superintendent will be somewhat as follows: (a) to reside at a place convenient for the discharge of his duties, approved by the Minister as such; (b) to superintend the general management and administration of the Galway Central Hospital, including any enlargements of the hospital; (c) to exercise general supervision and control over all officers in the institution and to see that such officers perform their respective duties; (d) to supervise the arrangement (including the hygienic and sanitary conditions), for and the welfare of the patients and to report in writing to the public assistance authority any defects; (e) to perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Minister or the public assistance authority.
Could the Minister say if the reference to the officers in the institution includes the visiting medical staff, such as the gynaecologists, the surgeon and physician?
I am afraid I am not in a position to answer that particular question. Perhaps the Deputy will put down a further question to the Minister on the matter.
Will the Minister consider conveying to the Minister for Health the desirability of postponing the making of this appointment until after the introduction of the Bill to amend the County Management Act?
I shall certainly convey the Deputy's suggestion to the Minister.