Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 4

Written Answers. - Paediatric Services.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

71 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if he will request the relevant health board to allow space in St. Vincent's District Hospital, Athlone and or the adjacent health centre for the holding of a paediatric out-patient clinic for a person (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that for the past two years Deputy O'Rourke has consistently raised this matter and the relevant health board has not made any progress on the issue; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this clinic is being availed of by many children and that both children and parents will be discommoded if the clinic, which is currently being held in a nearby hotel, ceases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11380/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): As I have stated previously, the provision of paediatric services in Athlone is the responsibility, in the first instance, if the Midland Health Board which provides paediatric outpatient services at the District Hospital, Athlone.

The clinic referred to by the Deputy is a paediatric outpatient service staffed by a consultant based at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. The clinic is provided at the discretion of the Portiuncula Hospital authorities to facilitate former inpatients of their hospital who reside in Athlone. This clinic is in addition to the paediatric out-patient service currently being provided there by the Midland Health Board.

I understand that the Midland Health Board is precluded from assisting with the provision of accommodation for the Portiuncula clinic due to demands for clinic space at Athlone District Hospital. The Portiuncula hospital authorities have stated that they will continue in their efforts to identify a more clinical setting for the service. I have also asked officers of my Department to raise this matter with the management of the Midland Health Board.