Jimmy Deenihan
Question:34 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health if he will give an assurance that an adequate anaesthetic service is provided for Tralee General Hospital, County Kerry.
Written Answers. - Tralee Hospital Anaesthetic Service.
The provision of anaesthetic services at Tralee General Hospital is a matter in the first instance for the Southern Health Board.
In line with current personnel policy, health agencies generally, including the Southern Health Board, have autonomy to make appointments up to a given number without my Department's approval subject to certain restrictions, including the need to operate within available financial resources.
Officials from my Department will be having discussions with the Southern Health Board with regard to the board's priority requirements in the context of the 1991 allocation. The provision of additional staff for the anaesthetic department at Tralee General Hospital will be a matter for the board to determine, having regard to its overall financial sitution, and in the context of other competing priority requirements.