Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

237 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether there is adequate theatre space available for emergency procedures in the Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22159/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The management of services and facilities at Cork University Hospital is the statutory responsibility of the Southern Health Board. The identification of priorities for the development or expansion of services is a matter for the Southern Health Board.

This year I have provided additional funding to enable the opening of an additional theatre at weekends.

The Southern Health Board has advised me that it is satisfied that the theatre facilities are appropriate to meet the needs for the volume of emergency procedures requiring theatre facilities.