Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 7

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

20 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health the extent to which Letter kenny General and Altnagelving hospitals interlink at present; the scope, if any, there is to further such co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7642/97]

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

41 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to expand the emergency or other links between Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, and Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7641/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 41 together.

Arrangements for the development of links between Letterkenny and Altnagelvin hospitals are a matter for the North-Western Health Board in the first instance. I have been informed by the North-Western Health Board that Letterkenny General Hospital and Altnagelvin Hospital have enjoyed a close working relationship over the years. There is regular communication between the management of both hospitals and informal contact between professionals is very frequent. In particular there has traditionally been close co-operation between the two hospitals in the area of emergency services, for example, road traffic accidents, ambulance services and emergency admissions. Letterkenny General Hospital regularly accesses services in Altnagelvin Hospital such as diagnostic and bronchoscopy services.

As a result of recent contacts, a working group is being established to explore opportunities for further co-operation. This study will not be confined to patient services alone but will also address staffing, training, IT and non-clinical service issues.