asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to close the maternity section of Louth County Hospital, Dundalk, within the next five years; and if closure of this important unit is contemplated.
273.
Written Answers. - Louth County Hospital.
272.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that recently 25 women patients were forced to transfer from the maternity section of Louth, County Hospital, Dundalk; the reasons for this; and what he proposes to do to avoid a repetition of this very serious matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 273 together.
Proposals have been put to the North Eastern Health Board for the rationalisation of maternity services in the area. In the long term the proposals would envisage the location of such services in Cavan, Navan and Drogheda. There is, however, major building work involved in such a programme of rationalisation and I do not foresee that the maternity section at Dundalk will close in the next five years. However, maternity services at Louth County Hospital are provided by the consultant physician at the hospital. During the physician's recent absence on a fortnight's annual leave the North Eastern Health Board were unable to arrange for maternity cover at consultant level for the unit.
The board accordingly decided that in the best interests of mothers and babies scheduled deliveries should be transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda. Twenty-five mothers were referred to that hospital during the period of the physician's absence.
On my direction discussions are being held at present by my Department with the North Eastern Health Board and other interested parties in an effort to achieve a satisfactory and viable solution which will enable the unit to continue.