Vol. 561 No. 1
148 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding Monaghan General Hospital; when it will be brought back on-call in order that the management, consultants and staff can have some confidence for the future and that the people of the Monaghan area get the maximum service possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3434/03]
189 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions he has had with the North-Eastern Health Board in relation to Monaghan General Hospital; and the action he proposes to take to return Monaghan Hospital to on-call status after seven months off-call. [3463/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 189 together.
Responsibility for the provision of services at Monaghan General Hospital rests with the North-Eastern Health Board. It is a matter for the board to determine the nature and level of service provision at the hospital, consistent with the board's commitment to the provision of a high quality, efficient and cost-effective service.
I have been advised by the NEHB that it is continuing to seek to resolve the service difficulties at the hospital. The board is of the view that the resolution of these difficulties will require the input from the various professional bodies. It also requires the co-operation of the clinical staff of the Cavan-Monaghan hospital group. I understand that the board has engaged St. Paul Consultancy Services to assist in a facilitory role and a report on its work is expected by the board shortly. The board's overriding objective is to ensure the provision of safe and sustainable services at Monaghan Hospital as part of the Cavan-Monaghan hospital group.
Questions Nos. 149 and 150 answered with Question No. 108.
