Vol. 568 No. 5
366 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford regarding delays that have arisen in preventing this person from having an urgent operation; and if there will be no further delays in this case. [16922/03]
The provision of hospital services for people living in County Waterford is a matter for the South-Eastern Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply directly to him.
367 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients awaiting wada procedure here; if there is a shortage of specialists to carry out this procedure; his plans to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16923/03]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the numbers of patients awaiting wada procedure is not routinely collected by my Department. Therefore, my Department has asked the chief executive officers of the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority to communicate directly with the Deputy in the matter.
Arising from a number of meetings with various interest groups, I requested Comhairle na nOspidéal to conduct a review of neurological services and related issues. Comhairle established a committee to, inter alia, examine existing arrangements for the provision of consultant-level neurology and neurophysiology services nationally and to make recommendations to Comhairle on the future organisation and development of those services.
The Comhairle report has recently been published and will now be examined by the health boards, the Eastern Regional Health Authority and my Department. The report recommends significant enhancement of neurology and neurophysiology services, and increases in related consultant staffing.
The question of additional investment in neurology and neurophysiology will be considered in the light of the Comhairle review, other competing priorities, and the availability of adequate funding.
