Vol. 542 No. 4
149 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there has been a delay in the appointment of a second surgeon at the County Hospital, Bantry, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24773/01]
The provision of services at Bantry General Hospital is a matter for the Southern Health Board. I understand that, at the request of the Southern Health Board, Comhairle na nOspidéal has established a sub-committee to discuss with the board the question of future consultant staffing at the hospital. A comprehensive submission has been made by the Southern Health Board to the Comhairle sub-committee and they are considering the issues raised.
I will consider any proposal for additional consultant appointments arising from this review 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.
