asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who worked as a medical doctor in the Clonmellon-Delvin area submitted his resignation to the Midland Health Board; the reason the vacancy has not been advertised over the period of time; when it is intended that this post will be filled; if it is intended that the Midland Health Board and the North-Eastern Health Board will come to an agreement regarding the areas which overlap; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Health Board Vacancy.
154.
I have had inquiries made from the Midland Health Board with regard to the Deputy's question. I understand that the doctor in question indicated in mid-1988 that he wished to retire from the post but subsequently he requested to be allowed retain his DMO post for Clonmellon-Crosakiel. A locum was provided for the Delvin area of the doctor's practice by the board. Discussions between the doctor and the board regarding the Delvin practice were completed in December 1988 and my approval was sought to the filling of the post for the Delvin area. I issued approval to the proposal on 9 January 1989.
In view of the impending revised contract for GPs it was not deemed appropriate by the health board to advertise the post until the outcome of the national negotiations were completed. The revised contract is now in operation and it is the intention to advertise the post in the current month.
The successful applicant will also provide services for GMS patients in the Clonmellon area on the basis of a subsidiary contract with the North-Eastern Health Board. Meanwhile, appropriate locum cover continues to be provided by both boards in the Delvin-Clonmellon area.