asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the growing unrest among the people of South-West Donegal at the proposal to provide a surgical regional hospital in Sligo to cater for that area of Donegal; and, if so, if he will ensure that such surgical services as are necessary and as will be necessary in the future, will be provided in the south of the county.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Hospital Services.
107.
I am aware of a lively interest among people in South West Donegal in this subject and I have had lengthy discussions and correspondence about the hospital services with groups from that area. The consultative council on general hospital services has recommended in their report that the area should eventually be served by an enlarged general hospital in Sligo and that in the interim period, surgical services for the area should be provided in the Shiel Hospital in Ballyshannon. A scheme of improvements is at present being carried out at the latter hospital to facilitate the provision of this service. I have also approved the building of a 20-bed district hospital in Donegal town to cater for medical and maternity services at general practitioner level.
I am satisfied that these arrangements supplemented by readily accessible consultant out-patient services and by a highly efficient ambulance service will best serve the needs of the people of the area.