Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 April 2004
163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which he expects the hospital services to be able to meet demands in respect of heart operations and hip replacements in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11083/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been a significant increase in the consultant manpower needed to deliver cardiac surgery and orthopaedic services in the past ten years. Based on figures provided by Comhairle na nOspidéal the number of cardiothoracic surgeons has increased from six to 11 between 1993 and 2003 and the number of orthopaedic surgeons has increased from 52 to 76 in the same period.
Plans and developments are in place which will increase the capacity for cardiac surgery. For example, the theatre and critical care complex, completed as part of the phase 2 development at University College Hospital Galway, includes provision for cardiac surgery facilities. Approval has also been given to the Southern Health Board to proceed with the planning and construction of a new €82 million cardiac and renal dialysis building at Cork University Hospital.
With regard to orthopaedic services, the North Eastern Health Board has reorganised its orthopaedic services in moving trauma services to Drogheda and creating additional capacity for elective services in Navan. A new orthopaedic service will be provided at Mayo General Hospital. This new service will serve the people of the western region and increase orthopaedic capacity for the region. Building and equipping of the new facility has been completed.
The single most important factor for admission to hospital is bed availability therefore increasing the bed capacity of the acute hospital system is of particular priority for my Department. The first phase of this process commenced in January 2002 where capital and revenue funding was provided for an additional 709 beds. This represents an increase of 6% on existing capacity. Some 568 of these beds have been commissioned to date.
164 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the full bed complement at James Connolly Memorial, Blanchardstown, Dublin; the capacity of the hospital in respect of each category of patient; the extent to which adequate staff and back-up facilities and services are available; his plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11084/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the provision of services at James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply to him directly.
