Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 May 1992

Vol. 420 No. 4

Written Answers. - Donegal Town Hospital.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

137 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health if, in view of (a) the large numbers of people travelling to counties Sligo and Letterkenny hospitals for medical X-rays, and (b) the amount of surplus equipment lying idle in these hospitals, he will outline the plans he has to provide an X-ray unit in Donegal Town Hospital in the near future; if he agrees that this service is both necessary and desirable in Donegal Town Hospital, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

The main radiology departments for the North-Western Health Board are based at Letterkenny and Sligo General Hospitals. In addition, there is a local radiology service based at Sheil Hospital, Ballyshannon, County Donegal which serves the catchment area of Donegal Town. There is no x-ray equipment lying idle at either Letterkenny General Hospital or Sligo General Hospital which would be suitable for use at Donegal District Hospital.

I understand that the North-Western Health Board have plans for the development of facilities and services at Donegal District Hospital and that these developments 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.