Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 4

Written Answers. - Paediatric Services.

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn

Ceist:

93 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the lack of emergency facilities for children at the Casualty Department, James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15; the proposals, if any, there are to upgrade these facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6749/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): Paediatric services in the Dublin area are provided at three sites, at Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin, Temple Street Hospital and the National Children's Hospital, Harcourt Street, which will move to Tallaght. Hospital services for children are provided at these specialist sites so that children in need of hospital care can be assured of the best possible services.

Consequently, James Connolly Memorial Hospital does not have any paediatric in-patient services and there are no plans at present to develop such services in the hospital. However, in the event of an emergency, children are treated in the hospital's accident and emergency department and when their condition is stabilised they are transferred to the appropriate children's hospital.

The Deputy will be aware of the developments being planned at James Connolly Memorial Hospital which will lead to a major upgrading of facilities at the hospital ensuring the highest quality patient care.