Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 1997

Vol. 478 No. 7

Written Answers - CT Scanning Service.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

67 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding the working of the catscan in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth which has been lying idle for the past year or so in view of the fact that no funding has been provided for the running of this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12010/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): Over the past few years my Department has made substantial funding available to the International Missionary Training Hospital, Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda in respect of the establishment of a CT scanning service. In September 1996, I approved a consultant radiologist post for the hospital to initiate a regional CT service for the Louth-Meath area. In addition, it was agreed that the existing single-handed radiologist based at Dundalk would provide cover at the International Missionary Training Hospital for the CT scanning service.

Furthermore, I recently conveyed approval in principle to the appointment of a second radiologist post based at Navan. It is understood that this post will also have a sessional commitment to the International Missionary Training Hospital.

I am confident that this substantial investment in radiology services will facilitate the North-Eastern Health Board in the development of a high quality comprehensive service for the people of Louth and Meath and will also meet the CT requirements across the three hospitals.

On the question of the delay in getting the CT Service off the ground, I have been advised by the health board and International Missionary Training Hospital that the main obstacle has been the securing of a permanent consultant radiologist.Generally there is a long lead in time from approval of the post to having a consultant commence duties, and this is common to all permanent consultant appointments.

I am assured that both agencies are making every effort to secure an interim arrangement, pending the appointment of a permanent radiologist.