Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 10 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 3

Written Answers - Hospital Services.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

128 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the adequacy of the number of specialist neurosurgical consultants and nurses available to the health services compared to international population norms; if there is an adequate neurosurgical nursing support available for patients whose needs require specialist surgical treatment overseas and continuing neurosurgical nursing support on their return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27108/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

As the Deputy will be aware, there are two neurosurgical units in Ireland, one in Beaumont Hospital, the National Centre for Neurosurgery and one in Cork University Hospital. I have made inquiries of both neurosurgical units and understand that they have adequate specialised trained neurosurgical nursing staff available to ensure specialist care to the adult and paediatric patients.

Regarding neurosurgical services generally, the Deputy may wish to know that additional funding is being made available to the Southern Health Board in 1999 to enhance neurosurgical services at Cork University Hospital. Additional funding is also being provided as part of Beaumont Hospital's 1999 allocation to provide for the resources required to support the reactivation of the sixth neurosurgeon post at Beaumont Hospital. Once this replacement post has been filled the number of neurosurgeons in Ireland will provide for a consultant population ratio considered reasonable by the most recent Comhairle na nOspidéal review of this area.