asked the Minister for Health the position with regard to orthopaedic outpatients at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, (details supplied); if he will ensure that the impasse is dealt with satisfactorily; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Orthopaedic Outpatients.
487.
The position with regard to the orthopaedic services at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, is that the hospital authority have sought my approval to the appointment of an orthopaedic surgeon jointly with Dr. Stevens' Hospital. This post is one of a number of posts in respect of which Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin, have sought my approval. Because of the financial cutbacks in the health services, I am not in a position to approve of all of these posts but my Department are endeavouring in conjunction with the hospital authorities to establish the hospital's most urgent staffing requirements and I am keeping the matter under review.