Ivor Callely
Ceist:117 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health whether he has given consideration to setting up a specialty brain injury unit for acute, long term, rehabilitation care; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Brain Injury Unit.
Acute hospital services for persons suffering from brain injuries are provided in the national neurosurgical centre at Beaumont Hospital, which has facilities on a par with other hospitals in Europe. In line with the recommendations contained in a report by Comhairle na nOspidéal, Beaumont is proceeding to fill its complement of six consultant neurosurgery posts, one to replace a post formerly located at St. Vincent's Hospital, the other to replace a consultant post with special interest in paediatric neurosurgery at Beaumont Hospital. This will further enhance services at Beaumont.
Persons with severe brain damage requiring long term care are located in a number of different centres, mainly however in St. Mary's Hospital, Phoenix Park and the Royal Hospital. Donnybrook. I have no proposals before me to develop a special facility for such persons.