Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 4

Written Answers. - Paediatric Services.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

114 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if he will have arrangements made to further review the position in respect of a monthly outpatient paediatric clinic in a hospital in Athlone, County Westmeath; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is room in this hospital for the holding of this clinic and that there is strong local demand for such a clinic; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the holding of this clinic would have no financial implications for the Midland Health Board and that paediatricians in Mullingar, County Westmeath are in agreement with the holding of this clinic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19348/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): Responsibility for the provision of paediatric services in Athlone rests, in the first instance, with the Midland Health Board and the board has informed me that it currently provides an out-patient paediatric clinic at the District Hospital Athlone, and that 72 new patients and 306 return patients were seen there in 1995.

The clinic referred to by the Deputy is staffed by a consultant paediatrician, based at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, County Galway and is in addition to the service provided in Athlone by the Midland Health Board. I have sought a report from Portiuncula Hospital on that hospital's involvement in the provision of paediatric services in Athlone and on receipt of this report, I will be in a position to review the matter with a view to determining the most appropriate arrangements for the provision of paediatric services in Athlone.