Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 17 May 1990

Vol. 398 No. 9

Written Answers. - X-ray Screening.

Paul Bradford

Ceist:

71 Mr. Bradford and Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Health when he will instruct the Southern Health Board to make adequate formal arrangements for the X-ray screening of medical card holders at Mallow General Hospital, County Cork.

Paul Bradford

Ceist:

72 Mr. Bradford and Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Health when he will sanction the provision of a new X-ray screening unit for Mallow General Hospital, County Cork.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 72 together.

I am aware that there are equipment requirements at Mallow General Hospital. In this regard I would like to point out that I am at present preparing a five year capital programme, the main objectives of which will be to ensure that the physical infrastructure is in place to meet the service goals which we have set ourselves while ensuring that the fabric of existing services is maintained. The position in relation to Mallow General Hospital will be considered in this context having regard to the many competing demands and the priority requirements of other hospitals throughout the country.

In the absence of specific X-ray equipment at Mallow arrangements had been made with other hospitals within the Southern Health Board area to cater for patients referred from Mallow. The Southern Health Board are now reviewing the situation with a view to ensuring that the arrangements are adequate for patients requiring X-ray screening.