Vol. 422 No. 5
123 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his intentions regarding the future provision and expansion of services at Kilcreene Orthopaedic Hospital, Kilkenny city, in view of the current expansion and development of services at Ardkeen Regional Hospital in County Waterford.
The provision of hospital services in the South Eastern Health Board area is a matter for the board in the first instance.
A major review of orthopaedic services in the South Eastern Health Board has recently been completed by Comhairle na nOspidéal and the Department of Health.
I understand that the report of the review group is currently being considered by the General Hospital's Committee of the South Eastern Health Board prior to consideration by the board.
I will give careful consideration to any proposals submitted to my Department by the board regarding the development of orthopaedic services in the region, within the context of the many competing demands for resources and the board's priorities for new developments.
