Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 7

Written Answers. - Consultant Appointments.

Noel Davern

Question:

80 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Health, further to his reply to Question No. 123 of 5 November 1996, regarding the appointment of a consultant paediatrician to St. Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel, County Tipperary, the current position regarding this post following the failure of Comhairle na nOspidéal to approve the filling of such post and the demand by the comhairle for the appointment of three consultant paediatricians in the South-Eastern Health Board region; his views on whether the approximate 1,000 babies born at St. Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel, are receiving adequate and equal treatment as babies born in other hospitals who have an appointed consultant paediatrician; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24069/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): After discussions with the South-Eastern Health Board, a consultant paediatrician was sanctioned by my Department in May 1996 for St. Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel. All such sanctions are subject to approval by Comhairle na n-Ospidéal which is the statutory body charged with the regulation of appointments of consultant medical staff.

I understand that Comhairle na n-Ospidéal at a recent meeting considered this post and also a consultant paediatrician post for St. Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny. I further understand that Comhairle was not satisfied with the proposals in respect of paediatric services as submitted by the South-Eastern Health Board and accordingly did not approve the appointments. In the circumstances, the South-Eastern Health Board has been asked to reassess the position in relation to the total delivery of paediatric services within the board with a view to submitting proposals which are acceptable.

I have committed considerable extra resources to the South Tipperary area for general hospital services. I am committed to bringing hospital services, including paediatric services, up to acceptable levels having regard to what is available in other areas of the south-east region and at a national level.