Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Oct 1990

Vol. 402 No. 1

Written Answers. - Beaumont (Dublin) Hospital Staffing.

Ivan Yates

Question:

283 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health the proposals he has to ensure that an additional paediatric neurosurgeon is appointed at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the steps he is taking to ensure that there is a full complement of consultant staff therein; and the up-to-date position in this regard.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

The appointment of staff, including consultant medical staff, is a matter for the Beaumont Hospital authorities. In these circumstances, the holding of interviews and the filling of posts are matters for the hospital, in which I have no function.

I have recently informed Beaumont Hospital that I have accepted the recommendations in a Comhairle na nOspidéal report that neurosurgical services in Dublin should be centralised at Beaumont. The transfer of one consultant neurosurgeon from St. Vincent's Hospital has already taken place and I have invited Beaumont Hospital to submit its proposals for a sixth neurosurgeon post to replace the remaining post formerly held at St. Vincent's. It is the intention of Beaumont Hospital to seek applications for two neurosurgeon positions at the earliest possible date — the sixth post already referred to and the vacant post with a special interest in paediatric neurosurgery. These steps should have the effect of further improving the excellent neurosurgery service already provided at the hospital.