Vol. 471 No. 7
169 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health whether he can confirm the statement made recently by a member of the North-Eastern Health Board that the maternity unit in Louth County Hospital is to become a midwife unit only with the transfer of the current consultant to the maternity unit in Drogheda. [21899/96]
Limerick East): I have had inquiries made of the North-Eastern Health Board and it has confirmed that it is not aware of any statement made recently by a member of the board or on its behalf regarding a proposal that the maternity unit at Louth County Hospital is to become a midwife unit only, with the transfer of the current consultant to the maternity unit in Drogheda.
170 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health whether the only service available to pregnant patients attending Louth County Hospital will be an outreach service after the retirement of the current consultant from the single-handed post in the maternity unit in Louth County Hospital. [21900/96]
Limerick East): I have had inquiries made of the North-Eastern Health Board regarding the Deputy's query about the arrangements for the delivery of maternity services for the Louth County Hospital following the retirement of the current obstetrician/gynaecologist. The board has confirmed that there is no retirement imminent at the hospital at this time. If and when a retirement does occur, the board will ensure that necessary arrangements are made to meet the needs of patients. At present there are approximately 480 births at the hospital annually and the board has no policy to change existing inpatient maternity services at Louth County Hospital.
