Finian McGrath
Question:309. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a urologist for Temple Street Hospital, Dublin (details supplied) [57568/12]
View answerThursday, 20 December 2012
Questions (309)
Written answers
The Children's University Hospital, Temple Street is the national tertiary care centre for Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus. All infants born in Ireland with Spina Bifida are transferred to Temple Street after birth for ongoing neonatal management.
A multi-disciplinary Spina Bifida clinic was established in Temple Street in February 2011. A recruitment process was underway in 2009/2010 from which the Hospital hoped to recruit a urologist, but unfortunately that recruitment process found no suitable candidate for the post. However, approval has been given by the HSE to recruit a Consultant Urologist and it is hoped that this post will be advertised before year end. The HSE are hopeful that this new recruitment process will succeed in hiring a suitable candidate.
Children requiring urgent urological input are prioritised clinically and seen in the UK under the Treatment Abroad Scheme. Where patients have been refused under the Treatment Abroad Scheme, the hospital is currently in final negotiations with St Georges Hospital in London with a view to having the hospital treat these children, pending the appointment of a permanent urologist. Arrangements are currently being made to have a consultant visit from the UK to cover clinical priorities here. This Government is acutely aware of the challenges that patients with Spina bifida and their families face in managing their condition. I am committed to providing the best possible health service and will continue to work with the HSE to ensure the best possible outcomes for these patients.