Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 June 2016
401. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if he will reverse the suspension of DEXA scanning services at hospital (details supplied); his future plans for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14310/16]
View answerGalway University Hospitals, comprising of University Hospital Galway (UHG) and Merlin Park University Hospital, provide a comprehensive range of services to emergency and elective patients on an inpatient, outpatient and day care basis across the two sites.
An issue has arisen with respect to the operation of the DEXA scanner situated at Merlin Park Hospital. I have been advised by the Saolta Health Care Group that the bone-density scanning service has been impacted by a shortage of radiographers. As a result, a waiting list has built up.
Galway University Hospitals are currently actively working to recruit radiographers in order to fill a number of vacancies. One successful candidate will commence work in early July. An additional five individuals have been offered posts and are currently in the process of appointment. Recruitment to three further posts is ongoing.
Saolta has advised that GUH plans to treat all patients booked into the bone density scanner service up to the end of June 2016.
The Saolta Group and the HSE are working to put the necessary arrangements in place to ensure the continuity of services from July. In the interim period until the newly-recruited radiographers have taken up their posts, the Hospital Group is progressing a range of options, including staff overtime and outsourcing in order to ensure service continuity for patients.
It is also important to note that major developments are ongoing and planned for Galway University Hospitals. The Programme for a Partnership Government has committed to progressing a new Emergency Department facility. Also construction work is ongoing on the new 75 bed ward block as well as a new acute mental health department at the Hospital.
