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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospital Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

428 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the current acute hospitals without three physicians appointed to them; the hospitals involved; his views on the possible loss of training recognition of these hospitals following the implementation of new guidelines by the College of Physicians on 1 July 2004; the action he is taking to ensure that this recognition is not lost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30785/03]

I understand from Comhairle na nOspidéal that one acute hospital, Mallow, has two consultant physicians. Three other acute hospitals, Bantry, Roscommon and St. John's Hospital, Limerick, have two consultant physicians plus sessional commitments from consultants based in a neighbouring hospital. All other acute hospitals have the services of three or more consultant physicians on-site.

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland have not yet issued guidelines on the recognition of training posts in acute hospitals. As part of the implementation of the report of the national task force on medical staffing, Hanly report, a group chaired by Mr. David Hanly will make proposals for the national reorganisation of acute hospital services and future hospital medical staffing. This group will be guided by the principles outlined in the Hanly report and will take account of any relevant guidelines issued by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, including those regarding the recognition of training posts.

The medical education and training group of the national task force on medical staffing is continuing its work, and included in this is an examination of how medical education and training can be enhanced in the new model of health service delivery.

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