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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 6

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

28 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the consideration given by him to date to the proposal that the Mater Hospital purchase radiotherapy services for public patients from the Mater Private Hospital instead of transferring patients to St. Luke's Hospital for radiotherapy; and if he will agree to the implementation of this proposal. [14395/00]

I have had inquiries made of the Eastern Regional Health Authority concerning this matter. I have been informed that at present Mater Hospital public patients are transferred to St. Luke's Hospital for radiotherapy. Public patients who require urgent radiotherapy are referred to the Mater Private Hospital for diagnosis and treatment. The cost of this service is met by the Mater Public Hospital.

In the interest of delivering an integrated service to public patients, I understand that a proposal is presently being considered by the Mater Hospital, whereby the hospital would purchase radiotherapy services from the Mater Private Hospital, thus eliminating the need to transfer public patients to St. Luke's Hospital. This proposal, when formulated, will be submitted to and considered by the Eastern Regional Health Authority within the context of the hospital's overall priorities for 2001 and the many competing demands which presently exist within the acute hospital sector in the eastern region.

Ulick Burke

Question:

29 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress, if any, which has been made in planning and locating a new rehabilitation centre in the west of Ireland to provide for patients with serious physical and cognative injuries resulting from accidents, who as of now have no facilities available to them other than the National Rehabilitation Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14390/00]

The provision of health services to people with physical and sensory disabilities, both hereditary and acquired, is the responsibility of the health boards. In accordance with the recommendations of the review group report on health and personal social services for people with physical and sensory disabilities Towards an Independent Future, regional co-ordinating committees for physical and sensory disability services have been established in each health board and bring together the statutory and voluntary sector services providers, the consumers and their representatives for the better planning and co-ordination of services at regional level. Priorities for the allocation of funding available for the development of services in the sector are decided by the health board in consultation with their regional committees.

I am aware that the Western Health Board, in consultation with its regional co-ordinating committee for physical and sensory disability services, has identified the provision of rehabilitation centres in County Galway and County Roscommon as top priorities for development. The board is currently working on plans for the Galway Rehabilitation Centre to be located in the grounds of Merlin Park Regional Hospital. It is proposed that the plans will be completed by the end of the year 2000 with building to commence in 2001. It is proposed that the rehabilitation centre will cater for clients who present with serious physical and cognitive deficits resulting from accidents.
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