asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the present maternity services available at St. Joseph's Hospital, Dungarvan, County Waterford and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dungarvan (Waterford) Hospital.
410.
I presume that the Deputy's question relates to the maternity unit at St. Vincent's District Hospital, Dungarvan which is situated adjacent to St. Joseph's Geriatric Unit.
The administration of services in St. Vincent's Hospital is primarily a matter for the South Eastern Health Board. The maternity unit has four beds and patients are attended by local general medical practitioners. Patients are referred, where necessary, to consultant staffed maternity units at Ardkeen Hospital and Airmount Hospital in Waterford city. This is a usual arrangement in relation to such small units and meets the local requirements.