Vol. 473 No. 1
51 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that the Midland Health Board provides dialysis facilities for kidney patients in the midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24508/96]
Limerick East): I have been advised by the Midland Health Board that at present 15 patients from the Midland Health Board area are undergoing hospital dialysis. The needs of these patients are served by a number of dialysis units in centres adjacent to the Midland Health Board area. The board also meets the costs associated with a number of patients availing of home dialysis (CAPD). A transport service for patients undergoing dialysis treatment is provided by the Midland Health Board. Proposals for an enhancement of the dialysis service for patients in the Midland Health Board area are, in the first instance, a matter for the Midland Health Board and any such proposals will be considered having regard to the priority afforded to them by the board.
