Vol. 548 No. 5
262 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of out-patients who have been treated since the out-patient physiotherapy services commenced in Belmullet, County Mayo on 7 January 2002; and the number of outpatients treated on a weekly basis. [5493/02]
As the Deputy is aware, the provision of health services in the Belmullet area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has made inquiries of the board and has been informed that a senior physiotherapist was appointed to Belmullet Community Hospital in mid-2001 to provide a full-time service to in-patients in the hospital. Since January 2002, approximately 20 out-patients have been treated. At present, eight to ten out-patient treatments are carried out on a weekly basis, some patients requiring review treatments for physiotherapy. There is a limited out-patient service due to prioritisation of physiotherapy for the 80 in-patients in the hospital.
263 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an outpatient appointment for physiotherapy services at Belmullet, County Mayo. [5494/02]
As the Deputy is aware, the provision of health services in the Belmullet area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has requested that the chief executive officer of the board investigate the matter raised and reply direct to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
