Bernard Allen
Question:601 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the recent failure by Comhairle na nOspidéal to implement his winter initiative at its final meeting. [1393/01]
Written Answers. - Comhairle na nOspidéal.
I am glad to clarify this matter for the Deputy. In October 2000, I announced a £25 million investment package to help alleviate anticipated service pressures and to maintain services to patients in the acute hospital sector over the winter period. The investment package is being targeted at a number of areas, including the contracting of private nursing home beds, the provision of aids and supports for use by older people and the recruitment of over 40 additional consultants to the hospital system.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these initiatives are being implemented by the various health agencies involved. For example, I am advised by the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA, and the health boards that over 450 private nursing home beds have been contracted to date in response to demand.
In relation to the recruitment of additional consultants I requested of Comhairle na nOspidéal that these posts be filled initially on a temporary basis, given the long lead-in time normally associated with the recruitment of consultants. This matter was considered by Comhairle na nOspidéal, as the body with statutory responsibility in this area. My Department was advised by Comhairle na nOspidéal on 18 December 2000 that it had approved the appointment of 29 additional temporary accident and emergency consultants. These posts have since been advertised in the national press and the recruitment process is now under way. The Department was further advised on 19 December 2000 by Comhairle na nOspidéal that it had approved, initially on a temporary basis, up to 15 consultant anaesthetists.