Vol. 411 No. 5
119 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that ear, nose and throat operations at Tralee General Hospital have been suspended resulting in considerable distress to a large number of families; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The provision of ear, nose and throat services at Tralee General Hospital is a matter for the Southern Health Board in the first instance. I understand from the board that the temporary suspension of the elective service for children, which is not due to financial restrictions, is the subject of ongoing discussions between the health board and the consultants concerned with a view to having the service restored at the earliest possible date. Outpatient ENT services continue to be available at Tralee General Hospital. All urgent cases are referred to the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital for surgery.
