Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Neurological Services.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

811 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 299 of 20 May 2003, his plans to develop a neurological unit in the west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19697/03]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

1018 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress to date in the development of a neurosurgical unit in the west; the current status of the Comhairle board on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21222/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 811 and 1018 together.

Neurological services in the Western Health Board area are provided by a medical and support team lead by two consultant neurologists. Comhairle na nOspidéal has recently completed a report on a review of neurology and neuorophysiology services. This report recommends the appointment of a third consultant neurologist to be based at University College Hospital, Galway. The report envisages a complement of four consultant neurologists sharing responsibility for the provision of neurology services for the people and hospitals in the catchment area in the longer term. As regards other regions of the country, the report also recommends significant enhancement of neurology and neurophysiology services, and increases in consultant staffing.

The report is being examined by the health boards, the Eastern Regional Health Authority and my Department. 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.

In relation to neurosurgical services, the Deputy will be aware I have asked Comhairle na nOspidéal to carry out a review of neurosurgical services and to prepare a report for my consideration. Comhairle 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. I understand that the work of the Comhairle committee on neurosurgical services is ongoing. Decisions in relation to the further organisation of neurosurgical services will be informed by the Comhairle report.

Barr
Roinn