Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004
247 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the increased demand for renal dialysis services at Cavan General Hospital, additional resources will be made available to enable all dialysis patients in the hospital’s catchment area to avail of services in Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21131/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that responsibility for the provision of hospital services, including renal dialysis services, at Cavan General Hospital rests with the North Eastern Health Board.
In recognition of increasing patient demand, my Department this year allocated an additional €5 million for the development of renal services, of which €350,000 was allocated to the North Eastern Health Board.
The board has advised my Department that a new permanent post of consultant nephrologist, eight sessions in the Cavan-Monaghan hospital group and three sessions in Beaumont, is expected to be filled at the end of this year. The post is currently held by a locum consultant.
My Department is further advised that when this post is filled on a permanent basis, the board intends to review all aspects of renal care in the region, including hospital dialysis, out-patient services and will also consider the provision of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.
