asked the Minister for Health if he will make a comprehensive statement on the future health services for the people of Dungarvan and surrounding districts, County Waterford.
Written Answers. - County Waterford Health Services.
5.
This is primarily a matter for the South Eastern Health Board, who are responsible for the provision of health services in the Dungarvan area. There is and will be a wide range of services available in the Dungarvan area, including a district hospital, a welfare home, a county home, a residential centre for mentally handicapped women and a day school for mildly mentally handicapped children. Various out-patient clinics are held in Dungarvan including developmental paediatric, ophthalmic, dental, psychiatric, BCG vaccination, immunisation and chest examination. Some community care staff are based in Dungarvan, including an assistant county medical officer, four public health nurses, a social worker, a health inspector, an assistance officer and a home help and they provide community services for the area.
People living in the Dungarvan area also share in the hospital services provided at Ardkeen Hospital, Waterford, and at St. Otteran's Hospital, Waterford, and at other centres. In accordance with normal practice the various services are kept under regular review and any shortcomings are noted for improvement. I might add that Ardkeen Hospital has been designated as a major hospital for development with the development for obstetric and paediatric services at Ardkeen as the first priority.