asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there is a backlog of from nine to ten months for stomach X-rays in County Westmeath; whether he will now sanction the county council's recommendation that a 500 M.A. X-ray unit be purchased.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Westmeath X-Ray Unit.
52.
I am aware that there is a backlog of patients awaiting radiological investigation in County Westmeath. In October last, I approved the installation of a 500 M.A. X-ray unit at the County Hospital, Mullingar, in replacement of the existing apparatus. It was found necessary to provide a new unit to house this apparatus and I expect this will be available by the end of July.
I should add that last July I recommended to the health authority that they should make arrangements with Portiunoula Hospital in Ballinasloe for the investigation and treatment of County Westmeath patients and I understand that such an arrangement has been brought into operation for patients from the Athlone area requiring X-ray examination.