Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 3

Written Answers - Consultant Appointments.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

180 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of consultant rheumatologists in the country; the number per head of population in each health board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13886/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Comhairle na nOspidéal is the statutory body with responsibility for regulating the number and type of consultant appointments in hospitals providing services under the Health Act, 1970. It has provided the following information on the number of consultant rheumatologists by health board area.

ERHA – east coast area	2.0
ERHA – northern area	4.0
ERHA – south-western	1.0
NWHB	1.0
SEHB	1.0
SHB	2.0
WHB	1.0
Total	12.0

The latest data for population in each health board area is the 1996 CSO census of population, details of which follow. It should be noted that the making of comparisons between regions and agencies based on staffing ratios per head of population may fail to take account of the fact that, even with similar populations, there are significant differences in case complexity, patient profile, facilities/equipment, the range and complexity of services provided, socio-demographic factors and health and social requirements. As such these comparisons should be treated with caution.

	Population
EHB	1,295,939
MHB	205,542
MWHB	317,069
NEHB	306,155
NWHB	210,872
SEHB	391,517
SHB	546,640
WHB	352,353
Total	3,626,087