Hospital Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2009

Tuesday, 20 October 2009

Questions (207, 208)

Dinny McGinley

Question:

291 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that elective lists for surgery have been cancelled in Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, for the second time in a week in October 2009 and that there are 13 patients who are on trolleys while beds are vacant in the gynaecological ward due to staff cutbacks; the steps she proposes to take to rectify this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37232/09]

Joe McHugh

Question:

310 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason elective lists were cancelled in Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, twice in a week in October 2009 and her views on the fact that 13 patients were on trolleys while six beds were vacant in the hospital’s gynaecology ward; her further views on whether best use of skills and resources are being made as a result of these cancellations and vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37404/09]

Written answers

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 310 together.

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.