Vol. 557 No. 4
367 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the stand off of doctors in St. John's Hospital, Enniscorthy; his plans to end the stand off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22680/02]
The current issue in St. John's Hospital involves the withdrawal of cover by a group of general practitioners. The GPs in question had an agreement with the South-Eastern Health Board to provide out of hours cover to the hospital. I understand that responsibility for the out of hours cover to St. John's was to transfer to the Caredoc co-operative when it commenced in the Wexford area.
My Department has been informed that medical services continue to be available two days a week. In addition, support is available to the hospital from the geriatrician at Wexford General Hospital. For medical emergencies it is normal practice for patients at St. John's to be transferred to Wexford, 15 miles away. This procedure remains in place.
