Seamus Healy
Question:219 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Health and Children when he proposes to approve funding for an additional post of accident and emergency consultant as requested by the South-Eastern Health Board. [24385/03]
Written Answers. - Accident and Emergency Services.
The provision of hospital services in the south-east is the responsibility of the South-Eastern Health Board. My Department issued financial clearance under the winter initiative for the filling, in a permanent capacity, of three consultant posts in emergency medicine, in the South-Eastern Health Board region. The South-Eastern Health Board has been in discussion with Comhairle na nOspidéal regarding the appointment of these posts.
The South-Eastern Health Board has also submitted an application for financial clearance for an additional post of consultant in emergency medicine at Waterford Regional Hospital which formed part of the discussions with Comhairle na nOspidéal. The question of providing financial clearance for the fourth additional post will be considered in the context of future service and funding priorities for the board.