Vol. 543 No. 2
464 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if there was an out-patient physiotherapy service previously in operation in Belmullet District Hospital; if this service was discontinued in September 2001; if so, the reason therefor; and when the service will resume. [26988/01]
As the Deputy is aware, provision of health services in the Belmullet area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Western Health Board. I have made inquiries of the board in relation to the matter raised and am informed that prior to the appointment of the permanent physiotherapist at Belmullet Community Hospital in September 2001, the physiotherapist from Swinford District Hospital travelled to Belmullet Community Hospital on two days per month and provided a very limited physiotherapy service for both in-patients and a number of out-patients. The total amount of physiotherapy time available under this arrangement was approximately eight hours per month. Due to the limitations of the service it was incumbent on the board to successfully recruit a permanent physiotherapist for Belmullet Community Hospital.
The new arrangements regarding physiotherapy services in Belmullet are currently being evaluated. If it emerges from the review of the service that there is physiotherapy time available then an out-patient service will be introduced.
