Vol. 538 No. 5
38 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence the authorised strength of medical officers for St. Bricín's Military Hospital; the strength of such officers as at 31 May 2001; the reason for the deficiency; the impact the deficiency of medical officers at this hospital is having on medical services provided by the Defence Forces to its personnel; the action his Department has taken to address the deficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17636/01]
87 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the authorised strength of medical officers for St. Bricín's Military Hospital; the actual strength of such officers as at 31 May 2001; the reason for the deficiency; the impact the deficiency of medical officers at this hospital is having on medical services provided by the Defence Forces to its personnel; the action his Department has taken to address the deficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17656/01]
I propose to take question Nos. 38 and 87 together.
The establishment of medical officers at St. Bricín's Military Hospital is 15. There is currently a strength of three medical officers located at St. Bricín's Hospital comprising one commanding officer, one psychiatrist and one pathologist.
The psychiatrist and pathologist, while available for general medical duties, are principally engaged in providing their specialist services. The brigade medical officer of Eastern Brigade, who is a fully qualified radiologist, provides radiology services at St. Bricín's Hospital. The medical officer commanding, Eleven Field Medical Company, FCA, also carries out medical officer duties in St. Bricín's Military Hospital. In addition, a medical officer is also on temporary duty at St. Bricín's Hospital from Southern Brigade, Cork.
As noted, radiology, pathology and psychiatry services are staffed by appropriately qualified personnel. While a shortage exists of general medical officers in the medical corps it must be emphasised that in all circumstances when a military doctor is not available alternative arrangements are made with civilian doctors.
A civilian consultant physician in respiratory medicine provides two sessions per week at the hospital. An ophthalmic clinic and an ENT clinic are conducted on the basis of one session per week each by specialist civilian practitioners.
Responsibility for recruitment of military personnel including medical officers has been delegated to the military authorities who are actively endeavouring to maximise the impact of their recruitment efforts by advertising in relevant specialist publications including Northern Ireland medical publications.
