asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there is a very long delay in having patients called for X-ray at the County Hospital, Castlebar, County Mayo; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this serious situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - X-Ray Facilities in Mayo Hospital.
75.
There is no delay in arranging for X-ray examinations at the County Hospital, Castlebar, other than those involving barium meals and barium enemas.
The delays which occur arise from a general scarcity of radiologists which has resulted in the Mayo radiologist devoting part of his time to providing a service for Roscommon County Hospital. A second whole-time radiologist is at present being appointed in Galway Regional Hospital and this appointment should make possible a general reorganisation of radiological services in the West of Ireland and an improvement in the position at Castlebar County Hospital.
Would the Minister not agree that such an extension of services to Ballina District Hospital would ease the overall pressure on Mayo?
It is hard to get radiologists.
It is not hard to promise them at all.
What does the Deputy mean about promises?
I am referring to the Minister's predecessor, who told us we would have all these things in no time at all.
You should have stayed in the Four Courts for the rest of the afternoon, if that is the best effort you can make.
Do not be jealous. We are successful there.