Vol. 510 No. 6
267 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of nephrologists on the consultative staff of the Southern Health Board; the number of dialysis patients in that area; the plans, if any, he has to sanction the appointment of a second nephrologist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23479/99]
The provision of services and facilities in this instance is the statutory responsibility of the Southern Health Board. There are two dialysis units in the Southern Health Board area and one consultant nephrologist. The dialysis units are based at Cork University Hospital and Tralee General Hospital and combined treat a total of 75 patients.
The identification of priorities and the appointment of additional staff is a matter for the Southern Health Board in the first instance. An application for this post has been received by my Department and will be considered in line with the priority accorded to it by the board and in the context of available funding.
