Vol. 515 No. 6
194 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals, if any, he has to upgrade the rheumatology services in the South Eastern Health Board area with particular reference to the appointment of an additional consultant rheumatologist in view of the waiting list of over two years and the chronic pain being suffered by patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6970/00]
A consultant rheumatologist was appointed by the South Eastern Health Board and took up duty on 1 February 1997. The further development of rheumatology services will be considered as part of the ongoing development of services in the south-east in the context of the board's overall priorities and available funding.
195 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of step-down beds available within each health board area in each of the years from 1995 to 2000; and their locations in this regard. [6996/00]
The figures requested by the Deputy are not routinely collected by my Department and I have therefore asked the regional chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the chief executive officers of the health boards to compile the figures for their area and forward them directly to the Deputy.
