Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Liz McManus

Question:

1152 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties in Cavan General Hospital which have resulted in the termination of the out-patient colposcopy clinic, that there is a waiting list of more than one year, and that patients are being referred to the Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda where there is also a waiting list, and that there is equipment and staffing arrangements at Monaghan General Hospital to perform investigative procedures that are not being used; if he will consider transferring this service to Monaghan General Hospital to relieve the waiting lists and protect the lives of women in the North-Eastern Health Board region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16815/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

Responsibility for the provision of services at the acute hospitals referred to by the Deputy rests with the North-Eastern Health Board. My Department has therefore requested the chief executive officer of the NEHB to investigate the position in relation to this matter and to respond directly to the Deputy.