Vol. 510 No. 3
258 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has in place to provide a pathologist for weekend coverage in County Sligo in view of the fact other regions have refused coverage of Sligo at the weekend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22285/99]
The North Western Health Board has one consultant histopathologist employed at Sligo General Hospital at present. As this person is working single-handedly, the present service is necessarily restricted in terms of weekend coverage.
I understand the board is currently carrying out a review of the histopathology workload at the hospital, including full consideration of the developing demand for the service and the need to provide appropriate cover at weekends. As part of this review, the board is examining the case for the appointment of an additional consultant histopathologist and it expects to be in a position to discuss the issue with my Department shortly in the context of the Estimates for 2000.
