Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Jun 1990

Vol. 399 No. 7

Written Answers. - Dundalk Hospital Staffing Levels.

Brendan McGahon

Ceist:

148 Mr. McGahon and Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the critical situation concerning consultant staffing levels at Dundalk General Hospital, County Louth, with particular reference to the need to recruit a replacement anaesthetist due to the retirement of the present incumbent in June; if he will create two anaesthetist posts to facilitate and encourge more applicants, as was originally sanctioned by Comhairle na nOspidéal; and if he will increase the level of other consultant posts in the hospital from 1 to 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

There are two consultant anaesthetist posts approved at Louth County Hospital. One of the posts is vacant at present and repeated attempts by the local appointments commission to fill it on a permanent basis have been unsuccessful. The board, however, have recently offered temporary contracts to two consultant anaesthetists and the board are hopeful that they will take up duty during the summer months.

Other additional consultant posts in the hospital are a matter for the NorthEastern Health Board in the first instance having regard to the board's priorities for competing demands in the provision of a health service in their area.