asked the Minister for Health his policy in relation to the future of Calvary Hospital, Galway.
59.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Hospital.
58.
asked the Minister for Health if he will guarantee that the maternity services provided at Calvary Hospital, Galway will be continued.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 59 together.
I would point out to the Deputy that Calvary Hospital, Galway, is a privately owned hospital which is independent of the public health services.
Arising out of an approach by the Calvary Hospital authorities the Western Health Board set up a sub-committee to examine and report on the future of the maternity department of the hospital. The report of the sub-committee was considered and adopted at the meeting of the health board on Monday last. The proposals were received in my Department yesterday and are being considered. They involve a radical change from the normal relationship between health boards and a private hospital. Furthermore, the proposed arrangements for the working in Calvary Hospital of a general practitioner maternity service for eligible patients raise many questions which require very careful consideration. When these issues have been explored in consultation with the interests concerned I will convey my decision to the board.