asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant surgeons per 100,000 population.
26.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Posts.
25.
asked the Minister for Health the number of surgeons in the various specialities.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 25 and 26 together.
There are approximately 240 consultant surgeons in hospitals which provide services under the Health Acts; this gives eight surgeons per 100,000 population.
The approximate number of consultant surgeons in each speciality is as follows:—
|
General Surgeons |
114 |
|
Ophthalmic Surgeons |
53 |
|
Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons |
30 |
|
Thoracic Surgeons |
5 |
|
Urological Surgeons |
6 |
|
Plastic Surgeons |
6 |
|
Orthopaedic Surgeons |
22 |
|
Neuro-Surgeons |
4 |
|
240 |
27.
asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant hospital posts vacant at present.
The number of consultant hospital posts under health boards not at present filled in a permanent capacity is 74. Of these, 30 vacancies are new posts which have only recently been approved by Comhairle na nOspidéal. Steps are being taken to have the posts put out to competition as soon as possible.
I am not aware of the number of consultant posts which may be vacant in other hospitals providing services under the Health Acts. The filling of posts in these hospitals is a matter primarily for the authorities of the hospitals concerned, having obtained the approval of Comhairle na nOspidéal.