Vol. 553 No. 2
563 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the type of patient to be cared for in the new brain damage treatment unit in Galway; the type and level of service to be provided at this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13838/02]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the proposed development of a neurosurgical facility at University College Hospital, Galway.
Neurosurgical services are currently provided in Beaumont Hospital and Cork University Hospital. I acknowledge the need to expand the country's neurosurgical capacity. I have asked Comhairle na nOspidéal to carry out a review of neurosurgical services and to prepare a report for my consideration. Comhairle na nOspidéal has been asked to focus, in particular, on the provision of adequate capacity and consideration of equity of access to neurosurgical services having regard to best practice in the provision of quality healthcare.
