Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2004
227 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the specialty areas which have necessitated treatment for patients outside the jurisdiction; his plans to provide for such services here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7252/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra228 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which specialty services are available throughout the country; the areas in respect of which it is proposed to extend such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7253/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question No. 227 and 228 together.
Circular 21/85, which was issued by my Department, sets out the criteria that must be applied when considering applications for authorisation to receive medical treatment outside the State. The responsibility for applying these criteria to the specific circumstances of each case rests with the health boards and the ERHA. Information in regard to the type of procedures funded under the terms of this circular is not routinely collected by my Department. Therefore, my Department has asked the chief executive officers of the health boards and the ERHA to communicate directly with the Deputy in regard to the specialty areas which have necessitated treatment for patients outside the jurisdiction.
The recently published Comhairle na nOspidéal Report on Consultant Staffing provides details on the distribution of consultant staffing and related specialties nationally. In the past five years there has been an increase of 31% in the number of consultant posts. These new posts are providing additional and new services to the population all over the country.
The National Task Force on Medical Staffing recommended a substantial increase in the total number of consultants from some 1,800 at present to 3,000 by 2009 and 3,600 by 2013. This will greatly improve the availability of consultant-provided services throughout the country.
I recently announced the composition of the Acute Hospitals Review Group which will be chaired by Mr. David Hanly. The Acute Hospitals Review Group will prepare a plan for the Interim Health Services Executive for the configuration of acute hospital services, taking account of the recommendations of the National Task Force on Medical Staffing.
