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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 1

Written Answers - Maternity Services.

Martin Ferris

Question:

223 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if he proposes to act on the recommendation of the Medical Manpower Forum to close the maternity unit at Tralee General Hospital. [8732/03]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

238 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if consideration is being given to the closure of the maternity unit of Wexford General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8959/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 238 together.

The national task force on medical staffing is now completing its first report. I understand the report will not make any specific recommendations relating to either Tralee General Hospital or Wexford General Hospital. The task force was established to devise a plan for reducing the average working hours of non-consultant hospital doctors, NCHDs, to 48 by 1 August 2009 and 58 by 1 August 2004, address the associated medical staffing needs of the hospital system, analyse the practicalities and estimate the costs that would arise if a consultant-provided, rather than consultant-led, system were in place and to consider the medical education and training requirements arising from any changes to the current model of delivering services.
I understand the task force will make recommendations regarding the organisation and staffing of acute hospitals but will not be recommending closure of any hospitals.
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