asked the Minster for Health if the surgeon at Nenagh Hospital, County Tipperary has been transferred to Limerick; and if he will state Government policy in respect of the hospital at Nenagh.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Hospital.
5.
The surgeon concerned who has a special interest in urological surgery has been transferred to Limerick where the opportunity arises of developing work on this speciality. It is understood from the Mid-Western Health Board that it is intended that the surgeon would continue to provide out-patient services on a regular basis at Nenagh and would possibly also do some work in relation to in-patients there.
As regards the future of the hospital the Deputy will be aware of the recommendation in the Report of the Consultative Council on the General Hospital Services that the role of this hospital should be changed to that of a community health centre. This recommendation will be reviewed by the Mid-Western Health Board and the Cork Regional Hospital Board when established. Pending the outcome of such review the health board are making arrangements to carry on the existing services at the hospital, and the Local Appointments Commission have been asked to hold a competition for a full-time surgeon.