David Stanton
Ceist:274 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the consultant-led ENT service in Mallow General Hospital will continue at its current level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10670/00]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
The provision of hospital services in this instance is the statutory responsibility of the Southern Health Board. I understand that the Southern Health Board has sought the input of Comhairle na nOspidéal with regard to the ENT service at Mallow General Hospital in the context of the development of this service. Comhairle na nOspidéal is the statutory body responsible for regulating the number and type of appointments of consultant medical staffs and such other officers or staffs as may be prescribed in hospitals engaged in the provision of services. I will consider any proposals that the board may put forward in the light of these discussions with a view to ensuring that the service to patients at Mallow General Hospital is developed in line with the principles of best practice in this area.
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.