Brian O'Shea
Question:233 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to appoint a nuerologist to Waterford Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4372/00]
Written Answers. - Consultant Appointments.
As the Deputy will be aware, the overall range of medical and surgical services available at Waterford Regional Hospital has been greatly expanded in recent years. New regional specialties of dermatology, nephrology, rheumatology, vascular surgery and oncology have been established. A trauma orthopaedic service has also been developed on site. Additional consultant appointments will be made this year in haematology and microbiology. These developments have been made possible by an increase of over £9.5 million in revenue funding for the hospital in the last three years and by the completion of major phased capital works on the site at a total cost of some £65 million.
The board's service plan for 2000 indicates that it will be assessing the need for the provision of rehabilitation services and the appointment of a consultant neurologist in that context. My Department will continue to work with the South Eastern Health Board management in this ongoing process of identifying and addressing priorities for the continuing development of services at the hospital in the context of available funding.