Michael Ring
Ceist:674 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to provide x-ray facilities in the district hospital in Belmullet, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2614/02]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
The provision of health services in Belmullet is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has made inquiries of the board regarding this matter and has been advised that the extension of radiology services at district hospitals throughout the board's area would be a major enhancement of such services. However, such developments are dependent on capital and revenue funding. The equipment would cost in the region of 300,000 and the ongoing revenue would be 120,000 per year.
The immediate priority for radiology services in Mayo is the replacement of the screening room at Mayo General Hospital and the replacement of current radiology equipment with modern picture archiving communication system facilities.
A formal assessment of the working and effectiveness of the radiology service at Clifden District Hospital will be undertaken shortly. In this context also, the board will commence an option appraisal for a similar non-trauma service at Belmullet District Hospital. When this is complete, the board will submit a proposal to my Department for consideration in light of any additional capital funding that may be available in future.
Question No. 675 answered with Question No. 530.
Question No. 676 answered with Question No. 591.
Michael Ring
Ceist:677 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if the strategic plan for the development of rheumatology services in the Western Health Board region has been completed; and if so, if he will provide a copy of same. [2640/02]
The provision of services in the Western Health Board region is the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in relation to this matter and to reply to the Deputy directly.