asked the Minister for Health the reason for the recent cessation of services by the Obstetrical and Gynaecology Unit in Louth County Hospital, County Louth; if he has satisfied himself that the North Eastern Health Board has exercised proper care in the arrangements connected with the cessation; and if he will make a statement on the future of the unit.
Written Answers. - Cessation of Obstetrical and Gynaecological Services.
49.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 49 together.
The provision of maternity services in County Louth is a matter for the North Eastern Health Board in the first instance. The closure of the maternity unit at Louth County Hospital from 1 to 20 October arose not because of cutbacks but because the arrangements made by the health board for the provision of locum cover during the absence of the permanent consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist, who is on annual leave, fell through. The locum cover had in fact been arranged in advance but unfortunately these arrangements fell through at short notice for reasons outside of the control of the health board. Another suitable locum obstetrician/gynaecologist was not available to the board at such short notice and in order to provide a satisfactory level of service all deliveries were referred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital at Drogheda during the period of closure.
I am satisfied that the board responded swiftly and dealt in a most expeditious manner with a set of circumstances which could not be foreseen and were outside its control.
I am informed that the maternity unit at Louth County Hospital re-opened on 21 October when a suitable locum became available. This locum was available until 1 November only and a second locum was to provide cover from today. I now understand today that there is some problem in having this person registered by the Medical Council and I am keeping the matter under review.