Batt O'Keeffe
Question:189 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health his views on the low epidural services available in Cork hospitals. [1264/96]
Written Answers. - Epidural Services in County Cork.
Limerick East): Epidural services in the Southern Health Board are available at the South Infirmary Victoria Hospital, St. Finbarr's Hospital and Erinville Maternity Hospital.
For some time there have been ongoing consultations with the agencies in Cork with regard to the development of maternity services. You will be aware that these consultations have recently been completed and a consensus has been reached between the agencies concerned with regard to the amalgamation of maternity services on the Cork Univeristy site.
It is envisaged that the centralisation of services on a single site will facilitate the provision of a full epidural service in Cork city, however, this capital development will take some time to complete. I understand that discussions are on-going between the Southern Health Board management and consultants with a view to providing satisfactory interim arrangements with regard to epidural services. I expect to receive a submission from the board in this regard shortly.