Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 8

Written Answers. - County Donegal Kidney Dialysis Patients.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

65 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are a number of dialysis patients travelling from County Donegal to Dublin on a weekly basis to avail of treatment; his views on whether this is the most economical method of treating such patients; if he will make resources available to provide this treatment in Letterkenny General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

Arrangements were made during the last year by the North-Western Health Board to increase from 12 to 16 the number of patients who can be treated at the Letterkenny dialysis unit.

I understand from the North-Western Health Board that three kidney dialysis patients are currently travelling to Dublin for treatment.

I am anxious to ensure that, where possible, patients receive their dialysis locally. The provision of additional dialysis facilities in the North-Western Health Board will be considered as sympathetically as possible in the context of the many competing demands for resources and the board's priorities for new developments.