Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004
191 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the application by AMNCH Hospital, Tallaght, for three paediatric consultant posts; the representations he has received and the measures he intends to take to expedite sanction for these posts and rapid appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1916/04]
View answerResponsibility for the funding of services at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA. Under an agreement involving the ERHA, the National Children's Hospital at Tallaght, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, and St. James's Hospital, paediatric haematology and haemophilia services were transferred from the National Children's Hospital to Crumlin. As part of the agreement, the ERHA agreed to fund three new consultant paediatrician posts at the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght.
As the Deputy will be aware, Comhairle na nOspidéal, in addition to its advisory role, is the statutory body whose main executive function is to regulate appointments of consultant medical staff in hospitals providing services under the Health Acts. On the three new consultant posts, Comhairle na nOspidéal has recommended that a paediatric consultant with a special interest in endocrinology be approved as a joint appointment with Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. My Department is advised that Comhairle na nOspidéal is in negotiations with the two hospitals and the ERHA with regard to the sessional split attaching to this post.
I understand that the other two consultant paediatricians, one with a special interest in respiratory medicine, the other with a special interest in community child health, have been approved by Comhairle na nOspidéal. The latter post is to be shared with the South Western Area Health Board. The filling of these posts is now a matter for the hospital. I wish to confirm for the Deputy that the necessary funding for these posts is in place.
