Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 6

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Paul Bradford

Ceist:

293 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will respond favourably to the request from medical practitioners (details supplied) regarding the radiological services at Mallow General Hospital, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9034/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The identification of priorities and the appointment of additional staff is a matter for the Southern Health Board in the first instance. I understand that the Southern Health Board is taking steps to ensure that an appropriate level of radiologist cover is available. I will consider an application for the post of a second consultant radiologist in the context of available resources and the priority accorded to it by the board.

I am fully committed to building on recent investment in Mallow General Hospital to allow the hospital to continue to provide a high quality level of care to its patients, in line with the priorities identified by the Southern Health Board. The recent provision of funding to open thirteen additional medical beds at the hospital represents a major investment in the future of Mallow General Hospital and clearly emphasises the Government's commitment to the hospital.