asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that a large number of residents of County Laoighis were obliged to come to Dublin hospitals for X-ray treatment during the past few years; and, if so, if he will now request the county council and manager to appoint a full-time radiologist at the County Hospital, Portlaoighise, or indicate the reason for failing to do so.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Radiologist in County Laoighis.
I note that the question refers to X-ray treatment.
I am not aware that a large number of residents of County Laoighis have been obliged to come to Dublin hospitals for X-ray treatment during the past few years. So far as I am aware, only patients requiring deepray therapy, e.g. for cancer, have to come to Dublin and it would be neither economic nor medically sound to attempt to provide such treatment locally. X-ray treatment as distinct from diagnosis, requires the use of most expensive apparatus and large and highly qualified staffs. In fact, a specialist medical committee which considered this question most exhaustively some years ago advised the then Minister that the necessary machines should be provided only in a specialist hospital specially established for the purpose.
I presume the Deputy is aware that a regional radiologist visits the County Hospital, Portlaoighise, once a week for diagnostic work. No complaints have been received from the local authority or otherwise that the service provided by the regional radiologist has been inadequate, but the necessity for more frequent attendance of the radiologist will be considered.
It has been reported to me—and I reported it to the authorities concerned—that X-ray photographs have to be sent to Dublin. In some cases the dispensary doctor and, of course, the patient have to wait for at least two weeks before the result is made known. Is that in the public interest, the interest of the patients, or the doctors who have to look after their patients?
I am not aware that there is any great delay like that.
The Minister will find it in the Department.