Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 20 Nov 1997

Vol. 483 No. 2

Written Answers. - Elective Surgery.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

76 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children whether there has been an unusually high level of cancellation of elective surgery in Dublin hospitals; whether his Department has analysed the reasons in this regard and, in particular, the apparent shortage of nurses; and the proposals, if any, he has to address this problem. [19804/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

In the time available to me, it has not been possible to obtain the information sought by the Deputy concerning the number of elective surgery procedures cancelled in Dublin hospitals. The information has been requested from the hospitals concerned and I will relay it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The recruitment of nurses is a matter for individual employers. However, I have asked my officials to keep the overall issue of the availability of nurses under review and to examine with health service employers whether any special initiatives are required in relation to recruitment.