asked the Minister for Health when a paediatrician will be appointed to the County Hospital, Wexford; if provision has been made for it in the Estimate for the Department of Health; if he is aware that over 2,000 babies are delivered there annually and at present GPs have to send sick children to Ardkeen hospital in Waterford; if he is aware that paediatric beds are available in the hospital and that the early appointment of a paediatrician is imperative; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Wexford Hospital Appointment.
439.
There is no post of paediatrician in the County Hospital, Wexford. Approval for such a post is the statutory responsibility of Comhairle na nOspidéal. No provision has been made for such a post in the Book of Estimates.
Under revised procedures the South Eastern Health Board submitted a report last month outlining the costs of filling a paediatrician post at the County Hospital, Wexford. The board indicated that costs cannot be met from existing resources. This report is being examined by my Department.
I am aware of the breakdown between different bed types in the hospital and that the number of births, which exceeded 2,000 in 1979, had fallen to 1,696 in 1983.