Michael Ring
Ceist:278 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the surgical procedures at Mayo General Hospital which have been cut back; and the reasons therefor. [6883/02]
Vol. 549 No. 3
278 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the surgical procedures at Mayo General Hospital which have been cut back; and the reasons therefor. [6883/02]
The provision of surgical services in this instance is the responsibility of the Western Health Board. I have been advised that the board responded to the issues raised in the Deputy's Parliamentary Questions 2126/02 and 2127/02 on 19 February. I understand that the number of surgical procedures carried out in Mayo General Hospital has increased in recent years although in some instances some types of procedures, for example, in urology, may now be carried out at University College Hospital Galway because of the location of certain specialised services at that hospital.
279 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the prostrate related operations which were carried out in Mayo General Hospital in 2001; if these type of operations are still taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6884/02]
The provision of medical services in this instance 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 the issues raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.