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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Liam Aylward

Question:

102 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make funding available to the South Eastern Health Board which would allow Waterford Regional Hospital to meet the increased demand for dialysis treatment and where patients are inconvenienced by having to attend Dublin hospitals for this service. [2100/00]

On the occasion of the publication of the spending Estimates for 2000, I announced the allocation of £3 million revenue funding and £3 million capital funding for the commencement of a programme for the development of renal dialysis services. This programme, which I hope to see completed over three years at an estimated total cost of £20 million, will be aimed at achieving a structured enhancement of the capacity of the system to meet existing and anticipated growth in demand for renal services in coming years. It will ensure the equitable availability of treatment choices for dialysis patients. This year's investment is primarily directed at addressing immediate requirements that are apparent from my Department's review of services in the area. In this context, a sum of £350,000 has been allocated to the South Eastern Health Board to enable the board to meet demand for haemodialysis places from patients in the region who have previously been unable to access a service locally.

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