asked the Minister for Health if he will take the necessary steps to provide X-ray and surgical units in Ballina District Hospital and thus relieve congestion at the Castlebar County Hospital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballina X-Ray and Surgical Units.
5.
As I indicated in my reply to a question on 24th March, 1960, it would be out of the question to provide radiological and surgical facilities in a district hospital such as Ballina.
I am aware that there is considerable pressure on bed accommodation at the County Hospital, Castlebar, where the appropriate surgical and radiological facilities for the county are already provided. In order to relieve the position there, I have approved of a proposal to provide a 40-bed maternity unit at the County Hospital and planning of this extension is well advanced.
In order to afford a measure of immediate relief I asked the Mayo County Council in August last to coordinate the use of the District Hospitals of Swinford, Ballina and Belmullet with the County Hospital so that suitable patients could be discharged from the County Hospital to the District Hospitals for completion of their hospital treatment. I am glad to say that this suggestion is being implemented by the local authority.