Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

672 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding which was approved for the placement of vagal nerve stimulators in 2001; the number of stimulators this would provide; and if additional funding will become available for stimulators to increase the numbers placed each year. [2612/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The vagal nerve stimulator programme is located in Beaumont Hospital which is funded through the Eastern Regional Health Authority. I am advised that the hospital performed ten such procedures in 2001 at a cost of approximately 10,000 per procedure.

The financial determinations for 2002 for the Eastern Regional Health Authority issued from my Department in December 2001. The development of services at Beaumont Hospital, including the vagal nerve stimulator programme, will be considered in this context.