Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 1

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

149 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the date on which the South-Eastern Health Board was informed that the oncologist based at St Luke's Hospital would leave his post; the date on which the advertisement for a replacement oncologist was issued; the extent of the recruitment drive; the number of applicants interviewed; the plans being undertaken to care for the patients at St. Luke's; if he has satisfied himself that these plans are adequate; the number of patients involved; when they will be treated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17336/01]

John McGuinness

Question:

152 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed at the accident and emergency unit in St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny; their qualifications; if levels are at their full complement; if further staff are required due to developments in this unit; the steps which have been taken to recruit staff with the required qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17339/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 152 together.

The provision of services and the recruitment of staff at St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny are, in the first instance, the statutory responsibilities of the South-Eastern Health Board. I have asked its chief executive officer to look into the matters raised by the Deputy and reply directly to him in this regard.

John McGuinness

Question:

150 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent on the refurbishment of the wards at St. Canice's Hospital, County Kilkenny; the amount spent on the refurbishment and provision of office space; the health board departments which are operating from the St. Canice's Hospital building; the reasons for locating the administration section in this building; the policy of the South-Eastern Health Board in relation to the future use of this building and the grounds of St. Canice's Hospital; the number of patients in the hospital; and the number of administration staff operating from the hospital. [17337/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of services at St. Canice's Hospital, including initiatives relating to capital works, are a matter for the South-Eastern Health Board. Accordingly, I have brought these issues to the attention of its chief executive officer and asked him to reply direct to the Deputy.