Vol. 513 No. 3
186 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of neurologists employed by the Southern Health Board; the number of people awaiting assessment and treatment by neurologists in this board's area; the average waiting time; the plans, if any, he has to sanction the appointment of further neurologists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2234/00]
The provision of hospital services in this instance is the statutory responsibility of the Southern Health Board. There are three neurologists in the Southern Health Board area: two at Cork University Hospital and one at the Mercy Hospital, Cork. The additional information requested by the Deputy is not routinely collected by my Department. However, I have asked the chief executive officer of the Southern Health Board and the secretary-manager of the Mercy Hospital to reply to the Deputy directly on the matter.
The appointment of additional staff is a matter for the Southern Health Board in the first instance. However, I will continue to sanction additional appointments in accordance with the priority identified by the agencies in the Southern Health Board area and in the context of available funding.
