Hospital Staff.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2004

Tuesday, 5 October 2004

Ceisteanna (255)

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

374 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application has been received in her Department from the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar seeking approval for the appointment of a permanent consultant physician with an interest in diabetic services at that hospital; the date of this application; the progress on this application; and the reason diabetic services are not properly resourced and staffed at this location in view of noting the high incidence of diabetes in the area. [23408/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Responsibility for the provision of services at the Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar rests with the Midland Health Board. My Department is not in receipt of an application from the board for approval of a consultant physician, with an interest in diabetic services, at Mullingar. However, my Department is advised that the development of this service is being considered in the context of the future development of services at the hospital.