Vol. 562 No. 6
25 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when appointments will be made for the Mayo General Hospital for the orthopaedic surgeons and the rheumatologist; the timeframe in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6705/03]
The provision of health services at Mayo General Hospital is the responsibility of the Western Health Board. It informed my Department that orthopaedics and rheumatology services for patients in the region, including Mayo, are currently provided by consultant led teams of medical, nursing, allied health professionals and support staff based at Merlin Park Regional Hospital.
The board prepared a strategic plan for the development of rheumatology services in the region. It proposes the appointment of a rheumatologist at Mayo General Hospital. In recent years there has been significant investment in acute hospital services in the region, including the Mayo General Hospital. However, the board's service plan for 2003 does not provide for the appointment of a rheumatologist at the hospital.
My Department provided financial clearance to the board for the appointment of three consultant orthopaedic surgeons at Mayo General Hospital. Comhairle na nOspidéal approved their appointment. The board is currently recruiting them through the Local Appointments Commission.
