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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

John Perry

Question:

257 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made on the execution of the Betty Brady report which was carried out on St. John's Hospital, Sligo; the issues which have been addressed; the areas where it has been put in place; when the outstanding issues addressed in the report will be implemented; his plans for pay parity for care attendants in St. John's in line with their colleagues in other facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4633/02]

The provision of health services in the Sligo area is a matter for the North-Western Health Board. In this regard, my Department has made inquiries of the board and has been advised that the recommendations contained in the Betty Brady report on St. John's Hospital have been implemented in full.

The recommendations included the appointment of additional nursing staff, improvements in equipment and facilities and allocation of additional clerical support for the rehab ward. The final agreed phasing in of additional nursing staff was completed in September 2001. In addition to the Betty Brady report, the board has appointed an additional 19 non-nursing staff to St. John's Hospital.

In regard to the Deputy's inquiry on pay parity for care attendants at St. John's Hospital, the board wishes to confirm that all care attendants employed by the board are remunerated on the Department of Health and Children's group one non-nursing payscale.

John Perry

Question:

258 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no radiotherapy in Sligo General Hospital; his plans to redress this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4635/02]

As the Deputy is aware, I established an expert working group on radiotherapy services to examine the appropriate further development of radiotherapy services in this country. The provision of additional services for radiotherapy treatment will be considered in the context of the report of the expert working group.

The work of the expert group on the development of radiotherapy services is at an advanced stage. I have been advised that all health boards, including the North-Western Health Board, are being afforded the opportunity to meet with the group. Due to the importance and the complexity of the work, it is not possible to give an exact date for the report of the expert group but it is anticipated that their work will be completed in the near future.

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