asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on his policy in relation to the future of Roscommon General Hospital; and the level of medical and surgical services to be provided there.
68.
Written Answers. - Roscommon General Hospital.
66.
asked the Minister for Health if consideration is being given to transfer the county surgeon and county physician at Roscommon General Hospital to any other hospital, if so, when; and to where.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 68 together.
The level and type of services, including medical and surgical services, at Roscommon Hospital is primarily a matter for the Western Health Board and I have no indication from the board that it intends to change the current level of service. Accordingly, the transfer of the consultant surgeon or consultant physician does not arise. I might add that the health board does intend to provide an acute psychiatric unit at the hospital which is expected to open on 1 July next.
67.
asked the Minister for Health if he will give an assurance that he will approve the appointment of a permanent anaesthetist at Roscommon Hospital to succeed the present incumbent who is due to retire next year; and, if not, the reason.
The regulation of the number and type of consultant medical staff in hospitals engaged in the provision of services under the 1970 Health Act is a function of Comhairle na nOspidéal. A request for approval to the appointment of a consultant anaesthetist at the County Hospital, Roscommon, to replace the present incumbent who is due to retire in 1991 was received in my Department from the Western Health Board. My Department has indicated to the health board its agreement to an application being made by the board to Comhairle na nOspidéal for the replacement of this post in due course.