Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 14 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

114 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the fear being expressed by the medical profession that hospitals and or hospital services will close at the end of 2000 due to the lack of junior doctors; if he will encourage the extension of the time temporary registered non-EU doctors can stay here from five years to seven years as a part solution to the problem; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the situation nationally has now worsened and the numbers of hospitals which will be affected is far greater than anticipated; and if he will confirm that this is not part of an agenda to close smaller hospital units. [16835/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Health service employers and the Health Service Employers Agency are continuing to monitor the take-up of employment offers made to non-consultant hospital doctors, NCHDs, for 1 July 2000. The situation is likely to remain fluid for a number of weeks to come as an NCHD may have an offer of employment from more than one hospital. Hospitals are exploring all options in an effort to ensure that essential posts are filled. In the event that some posts remain unfilled, hospitals will be asked to ensure that, as far as possible, present services will be maintained. I am confident that with full co-operation from all concerned, and a degree of imagination in making the best use of available resources, the effect on services can be minimised. I would like to assure the Deputy that there is no intention to close smaller hospitals because of any perceived shortage of junior hospital doctors.