Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

108 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when additional finance will be provided to the VNS implantation programme in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; and the number of people who are awaiting this treatment. [21584/01

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I am advised by the Eastern Regional Health Authority that there are currently 17 patients on the waiting list for vagal nerve stimulator – VNS – implantation.

Beaumont Hospital provides services under an arrangement with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. In this regard it is a matter for the hospital to identify and prioritise services for which additional funding is required and, accordingly, make application to the authority. The future service development needs at Beaumont Hospital, including the VNS implantation programme, will require to be assessed having regard to the level of funding provided for hospital services in 2002.

Michael Ring

Question:

109 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of neurologists here; if funding is available to increase this number; and the number of people on waiting lists for neurology treatment. [21585/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

There are currently 12 whole time equivalent consultant neurologist posts.

The number of people waiting for neurology services at the 30 June 2001, the latest date for which figures are available, was 196.

Last year the Irish Consultant Neurologists Association submitted a report to my Department which identified a need to increase the number of consultant neurologists in this country to meet an increasing demand from people presenting with neurological disorders. The report considered the need for further expansion nationwide, as the nature of neurological practice is changing with new therapies for many disorders becoming available.

Comhairle na nOspidéal is the statutory body whose main function is to regulate appointments of consultant medical staff in hospitals providing services under the Health Acts, and to specify qualifications for such appointments. It also advises on matters relating to the organisation and operation of hospital services and publishes reports relating to such services.

I have requested Comhairle na nOspidéal to conduct a review of neurological services and related issues. The need for additional investment in the neurological services will be considered in the light of the review by an chomhairle, other competing priorities, and the availability of adequate funding.