asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there is serious delay in admitting patients to Mayo hospitals; and if he will take the steps necessary to remedy this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Admission to Mayo Hospitals.
152.
Delay in the admission of patients to hospitals in Mayo normally arises only in the case of the county hospital and, in relation to that hospital, there is no delay in the case of patients who require urgent admission. All cases put on the waiting list are non-urgent cases.
The county hospital has recently been extended by the erection of a new 40-bed maternity unit. I have told the Mayo County Council that I am prepared to agree to further extensions at the hospital and plans are at present being prepared by the council. I have also agreed to the development locally of the pathology service by the appointment of a consultant pathologist to the hospital which should result in a faster turn-over of patients. Furthermore, work on a scheme of major improvements to Ballina District Hospital, for which I recently approved of the acceptance of tenders, will begin very soon. When these improvements have been carried out, the work-load of the county hospital will be reduced.
The hospital services in Mayo will benefit greatly from these developments which should reduce waiting periods to a minimum.