Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:77 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he intends to establish a high dependency neonatal unit at either St. Finbarr's Hospital or the Erinville Hospital, County Cork. [7611/96]
Written Answers. - Cork Neonatal Services.
Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:78 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he intends to continue basic neonatology services at both St. Finbarr's and the Erinville Hospitals in County Cork. [7612/96]
Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:79 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he intends to increase the number of paediatric and obstetric registrars and nursing staff until the obstetrics unit is established in Cork city. [7613/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 78 and 79 together.
As I stated publicly on a number of previous occasions, I am committed to putting the resources in place to support the development of enhanced maternity services in Cork, both in the short-term and as a long-term solution to current difficulties.
The centralisation of maternity services on a single site at Cork University Hospital is a major capital project which will require detailed planning work by the Southern Health Board, in close consultation with the Department. This process is already under way with the full co-operation of my officials.
With regard to interim arrangements for improving the existing maternity services at the Erinville and St. Finbarr's Hospitals, in February 1996, the Southern Health Board endorsed proposals from the general manager in this regard. These proposals, aimed at addressing immediate staffing and safety concerns, were formally submitted to my Department recently. I understand that, in line with these proposals, the board has now moved to put in place additional staff for neonatal services.