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Hospital Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2004

Tuesday, 16 November 2004

Questions (114, 115, 116)

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

170 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she proposes to take to alleviate the working conditions at Kerry General Hospital; if her attention has been drawn to the enormous strain on the maternity services at the hospital; the number of staff it employs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28580/04]

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Written answers

The provision of hospital services at Kerry General Hospital, Tralee, is, in the first instance, a matter for the Southern Health Board. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer of the Southern Health Board to reply directly to the Deputy regarding the number of staff employed at the hospital.

A capital projects development team for Kerry General Hospital, Tralee, was established in September 2000 to prepare a strategy plan for the current and future needs of the hospital. The development plan included the construction of a purpose-built maternity unit.

Earlier this year, the Southern Health Board sent a statement of need to the Department of Health and Children for a women's health unit at Kerry General Hospital, Tralee. This statement of need sets out the current position on the delivery of maternity services at the hospital.

The establishment of a project team to progress proposals for a new maternity unit at Kerry General Hospital falls to be considered in the context of overall funding resources available under the Capital Investment Framework 2004-2008.

Finian McGrath

Question:

171 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there are a lack of space, lack of staff and a shortage of beds at the Mater Hospital accident and emergency department in Dublin. [28582/04]

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Services at the Mater Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the Eastern Regional Health Authority and my Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to examine the issue raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.

Many of the difficulties and delays experienced in emergency medicine departments reflect system-wide issues. It is therefore necessary to take a whole-system approach, involving primary care, acute care and sub-acute and community care, in tackling the problems in emergency medicine departments.

I am currently identifying the particular pressure points within the health system that affect the efficient delivery of emergency services. I intend to ensure that the most pressing problems are addressed as a matter of urgency. In the context of the upcoming Estimates, I intend to introduce a wide-ranging package of measures that will address these problems.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

172 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of beds likely to come into use at Peamount Hospital arising from the recently announced initiative to alleviate overcrowding at accident and emergency departments in Dublin hospitals; the position regarding the retention of the tuberculosis and respiratory facilities with the relevant consultancy backup; if a further consultant is required to facilitate the recent initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28583/04]

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Services at Peamount Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA. My Department has therefore asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the issues raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.

The authority has advised that Peamount Hospital no longer admits acute tuberculosis patients. I understand that 30 beds at the hospital will shortly become available for patients who have completed the acute phase of their treatment and require pulmonary rehabilitation. This will relieve pressures on the acute hospital system.

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