asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for the immediate approval of the back-up staff necessary to allow the consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist to take up appointment at Roscommon County Hospital; if he will outline the number of staff required and the reason for the delay in making the necessary appointments.
Written Answers. - Roscommon Hospital Staff.
393.
In view of the current financial situation and the Government's policy in relation to the restriction of numbers employed in the public sector, I am not in a position at present to provide the resources for the back-up staff sought. The health board has sought approval for 14 additional staff for the maternity unit and a further 14 additional staff for the paediatric unit.
394.
asked the Minister for Health if he has given approval to the Western Health Board to advertise for the appointment of a consultant paediatrician at Roscommon County Hospital; if so, the date approval was given; and when it is expected that a replacement paediatrician will take up duty.
I have indicated to the Western Health Board that the post of consultant paediatrician at Roscommon may be filled on condition that linkage arrangements are made with Portiuncula Hospital to ensure that continuous cover can be provided for a single-handed consultant. The making of arrangements for the appointment is now a matter for the Western Health Board. The making of the appointment will be dependent largely on how quickly the board can complete the process.