Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Pathology Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

405 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the report of a review carried out in December 1997 of pathology services at Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar, County Mayo; if his attention has further been drawn to the problems as outlined in this report at the pathology unit; the recommendations contained in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8678/98]

Enda Kenny

Question:

406 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a letter issued in October 1997 by the Chief State Pathologist regarding the substandard condition of the post-mortem room at Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar, County Mayo; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the State Pathologist has refused to carry out further homicide post-mortems in the mortuary due to the substandard conditions of the unit and the total inadequacy of facilities; if he will have arrangements made to have some improvements carried out pending the provision of new facilities under Phase II of Mayo General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8681/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 406 together.

Mayo General Hospital plays an important role in the delivery of acute hospital services to the people of County Mayo and I am committed to further improving these services. Phase II of the development of the hospital includes provision for a new post-mortem department and I understand from the Western Health Board that various interim improvements to the existing post-mortem department have been made since November 1997. I have not received the report to which the Deputy refers concerning a review of the pathology services in Mayo General Hospital.