asked the Minister for Health if he received representations from the Tallaght Community Council, Tallaght, Dublin 24 regarding the deterioration of health services in the Tallaght area and requesting a deputation to discuss the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matters raised in the representations; and if he is prepared to meet the deputation.
Written Answers. - Tallaght Health Services.
118.
I have received representations from Tallagh Community Council. The Eastern Health Board have informed me that all the health services which they normally provided from Millbrook Lawn Health Centre continue to be provided there and that they have no intention of reducing their services. Some short interruptions of service occur where vacancies arise and replacements cannot be provided immediately.
The position regarding the points raised in the representations in relation to specific services is as follows:
Dentistry: Three dentists are employed full time at this health centre.
Speech Therapy: There are two speech therapists attached to the health centre. One officer left the service in July, one half time speech therapist was employed in the vacancy since early October and the employment of another officer on a half time basis is in train.
Special Services: The number of weekly developmental clinics at this health centre has been reduced from four to three for the present because there is a vacancy in the post of area medical officer. However, the waiting list for examinations is shorter at present than is normally the case. The number of BCG clinics has been reduced from a weekly to a forthnightly clinic which the board consider adequate to meet the demand in the area.
Maternity Services: The position was that the board had provided, on request, accommodation in which St. James's Hospital and the Coombe Hospital through their own resources, provided ante-natal services for expectant mothers who had booked with their hospitals and who lived in the Tallaght area. The maternity services provided by St. James's Hospital have now transferred to the Coombe Hospital. The Coombe Hospital has withdrawn its ante-natal clinics at the health centre as part of the measures which this hospital introduced to live within its financial allocation. However, I am concerned with this development and I am investigating ways and means by which an anti-natal service can be provided at the health centre.
I am making arrangements to meet a deputation from Tallaght Community Council.