Vol. 521 No. 1
206 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals he has to deal with the crisis in rheumatology at Waterford Regional Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16577/00]
The provision of services in this instance is the statutory responsibility of the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in this case and reply to the Deputy directly.
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.
207 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals, if any, he has to provide a spinal cord stimulator for Waterford Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16578/00]
The provision of medical equipment in this instance is the statutory responsibility of the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in this case and reply to the Deputy directly.
