Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004
74 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which it is intended to meet the requirement for 21 specialists as specified in the Hanly report in view of the commitment given by him in a letter dated 27 May 2004 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18363/04]
View answerThe Hanly report argues that in the context of a 48-hour working week for doctors, for a hospital to be in a position to provide full emergency cover at all times, it would require seven consultants each in the specialties of medicine, surgery and anaesthesia.
In the case of the east coast region, I established an implementation group to progress implementation of the Hanly report recommendations. The exact services to be provided in each hospital, including Loughlinstown, and the detailed medical staffing requirements to bring this about, will be part of the implementation group's remit.
Unfortunately, the group has not been in a position to meet to date because of the non-participation of hospital consultants due to ongoing industrial relations difficulties.
