asked the Minister for Health the measures, if any, he intends to take or anticipates the Western Health Board will take to meet the request for the minimal resources required to provide an adequate service at the accident and emergency department of Galway Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Accident and Emergency Service.
195.
The provision of an accident and emergency service at the Galway Regional Hospital is a matter for the Western Health Board in the first instance.
The board has informed me that the allocation of medical staff is adequate for the service needs of that department. This level of alloation has not altered in recent times. The professor of surgery at the hospital is also satisfied that approved leave for medical staff without the need for locum cover can be accommodated within the existing staff complement.
This will not result in a reduction of services to patients or require medical staff to work hours in excess of those worked by their colleagues elsewhere in the hospital.