asked the Minister for Health when he received an application from Cork Health Authority for approval of the appointment to the post of geriatrician at Mallow County Hospital; and if he will state the reasons for the delay in approving of this appointment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mallow Hospital Geriatrician.
27.
I have not received any proposal from the Cork Health Authority for approval for the creation of an office of geriatrician at Mallow County Hospital. On 8th June, 1965, however, I received a request for approval for the creation of an office of geriatrician to the Cork Health Authority generally. The proposal did not indicate the type of qualifications contemplated for the office or the salary proposed.
The general question of the best kind of organisation for improving services for the aged on a nationwide basis is being considered in my Department. In that connection I might mention that the report prepared by the Cork Consultative Health Committee and adopted by the Cork Health Authority is very useful. Until, however, there is clearer definition of the duties which a geriatrician might perform and the special qualifications which a medical practitioner would require to enable him to perform those duties effectively, I am not in a position to sanction the proposal of the Cork Health Authority for the creation of such an office at present. I hope, however, to be in a position to communicate with the health authority about the matter shortly.