Batt O'Keeffe
Question:63 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children when an additional urologist will be appointed in the Southern Health Board area. [15324/97]
Written Answers. - Consultant Appointments.
The appointment of a consultant urologist is a matter for the Southern Health Board in the first instance. I have been advised by the board that there are at present two consultant urologists employed in the public system based in Cork University Hospital and the Mercy Hospital. Arrangements are in place to provide cross cover in both hospitals.
The board has further advised that a review of the priority posts for the public system in Cork and Kerry was carried out and arising from this review the need for a third consultant urologist post was identified. When an application for this post is received in my Department it will be considered in the context of available resources and the priority accorded to it by the board.