Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Dec 1990

Vol. 403 No. 4

Written Answers. - Ardkeen (Waterford) Hospital.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

211 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the urgent action he proposes to take to provide dialysis treatment at Ardkeen Regional Hospital for a person (details supplied) in Waterford who has to travel to Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, three days per week, leaving home at 5 a.m. and returning at 8 p.m., in view of the fact that there are no free slots at the hospital at present and that a submission was sent to his Department some time ago seeking extra funding so that patients such as the person named from the region can be catered for at Ardkeen Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

212 Mr. O'Shea and Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the urgent action he intends to take to provide dialysis treatment at Ardkeen Regional Hospital for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has to attend Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 for dialysis treatment three days per week, in view of the fact that his mother who is expecting a baby in January, must travel over 200 miles return journey on each trip with him and that Ardkeen Regional Hospital Renal Unit is not equipped for child dialysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 212 together.

At present, 12 patients are receiving their dialysis treatment in Waterford Regional Hospital. This is the maximum which the hospital can cater for at present. There is a waiting list of four people who are currently receiving dialysis treatment at Beaumont Hospital. I am anxious to ensure that, where possible, patients receive their dialysis locally, and the provision of the additional facilities mentioned by the Deputies will be considered as sympathetically as possible in the context of the overall development plan for the new regional hospital.