asked the Minister for Health if he will explain fully the position in regard to each of the following posts in the Ramelton Dispensary District, County Donegal: (i) district medical officer and (ii) nurse, either dispensary midwife or jubilee nurse.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ramelton (Donegal) Dispensary Posts.
4.
The permanent post of district medical officer, Ramelton dispensary district became vacant on the 31st December, 1960, and had been filled temporarily up to the 5th October, 1962, when the temporary district medical officer resigned. Since that date the duties of the district medical officer in the district are being carried out by the permanent district medical officer of the adjoining dispensary district of Rathmullan. No steps have been taken to fill the post in a permanent capacity; the health authority have submitted a proposal to me for the amalgamation of the Ramelton and Rathmullan dispensary districts— one district medical officer to serve the combined districts. I am at present considering the matter.
The position regarding the appointment of a "jubilee" nurse for the district is that the Queen's Institute of District Nursing have advertised for a nurse for the district and are at present considering applications. They hope to be in a position to make an appointment shortly. Since the former "jubilee" nurse retired on the 14th May, 1961, midwifery services in the Ramelton Dispensary district have been provided by the midwives of the adjoining Letterkenny, Milford, and Rathmullan dispensary districts.
Do I take it that there is nothing definite as yet about appointing a dispensary doctor to the Ramelton district?
No. The Minister is considering a proposal from the local authority to amalgamate the two districts.
But he has not decided ?
He has not given a decision yet.