Vol. 473 No. 3
49 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health if he will have arrangements made to have a paediatrician appointed to Saint Luke's General Hospital, Kilkenny, which has been recommended by the South Eastern Health Board and Comhairle na nOspidéal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24977/96]
Limerick East): After discussions with the South-Eastern Health Board, a consultant paediatrician was sanctioned by my Department in November 1994 for St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny. All such sanctions are subject to approval by Comhairle na nOspidéal which is the statutory body charged with the regulation of appointments of consultant medical staff.
I understand that Comhairle na nOspidéal at a recent meeting considered this post and also a consultant paediatrician post for St. Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel. I further understand that Comhairle was not satisfied with the proposals in respect of paediatric services as submitted by the South Eastern Health Board and accordingly did not approve the appointments. In the circumstances, the South Eastern Health Board has been asked to reassess the position in relation to the total delivery of paediatric services within the board with a view to submitting proposals which are acceptable.
