Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2011
417 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a paediatric nurse with expertise in the area of diabetes will be appointed to St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny; if this area of care will be developed at the hospital in view of the local and regional demand and the pressure on hospitals in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19656/11]
View answerThe scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
418 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the number of beds now closed at Castlecomer Hospital, County Kilkenny; the reasons for same; the timeframe for the closure; if further reductions in bed numbers are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19657/11]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
