Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:37 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health when he intends to advertise the position of Consultant Haematologist at Cork University Hospital. [1632/96]
Written Answers. - Cork Haematologist Appointment.
Limerick East): There are currently two consultant haematologist posts in the Southern Health Board area, one at the Mercy Hospital and one at Cork University Hospital.
As a result of Comhairle na nOspidéal's Review of consultant manpower for the Southern Health Board area, a panhospital structure has been established. An element of this structure is the Specialty Co-ordination Committee, one of whose functions is to advise on the priority consultant posts for the region. A further post of consultant haematologist is being considered by this committee in the light of overall priorities in the Southern Health Board area. The committee is expected to report in the next few weeks. Pending the outcome of that report, no further action can be taken in this matter.