Vol. 533 No. 5
105 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he is concerned at the situation whereby it has been reported in a publication (details supplied) dated 16 March 2001 that patients in west Cork are demanding that they be referred to hospitals other than Bantry General Hospital, County Cork, due to ongoing staff problems at the hospital, despite reassurances given at a health board meeting that there was a full complement of staff in place in surgery. [9364/01]
The provision of services at Bantry General Hospital is a matter for the Southern Health Board in the first instance.
The general manager at the hospital has stated that there is a full complement of surgical staff in place. I understand that, at the request of the Southern Health Board, Comhairle na nOspidéal has established a committee to discuss with the board the question of future consultant staffing at Bantry General Hospital.
I will consider any proposals that may be put forward in the context of available resources and the priority accorded to it by the board with a view to ensuring that services to patients at Bantry General Hospital are in line with principles of best practice.
