Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2005
60 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of consultant rheumatologists in the public health services; if this figure is in line with international best practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20886/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra117 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide increased resources to tackle the serious delays experienced by arthritis sufferers in Dublin South-West; if rheumatology services will keep pace with demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20750/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra218 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a consultant rheumatologist will be appointed to Tallaght Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20769/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra219 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns in Dublin South-West regarding the long outpatients waiting list for rheumatology patients to see a consultant; if she will report on plans for action in the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20770/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 117, 218 and 219 together.
The Rheumatology Manpower Report 2002 produced by the Irish Society of Rheumatology, ISR, identified deficits in the provision of rheumatology services nationally. The ISR report noted that the number of rheumatologists per head of population in Ireland was low in comparison with other European countries. At the time the ISR report was published there were 16 whole-time equivalent, WTE, consultant rheumatologists in place. According to the National Hospitals Office-Comhairle figures, there are now 21.5 WTE posts. This equates to a 33% increase in the number of posts in the space of three years.
The further expansion of rheumatology is now the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. My Department will continue to support the executive in its efforts to improve the delivery of rheumatology services.
Rheumatology services in the Health Service Executive south-western area are currently provided at St. James's Hospital and at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin incorporating the National Children's Hospital, AMINCH. The AMINCH historically had two sessions of a consultant rheumatology post shared with St. James's. However, this arrangement ceased on the replacement of one of the two full-time rheumatologist posts in St. James's leaving the AMINCH without a formal service for a short period.
In recognition of the need for the service and growing waiting lists for appointments, the former Eastern Regional Health Authority approved the appointment of a new consultant rheumatologist and support staff for the AMINCH in November of 2004. Interviews for the post took place at the end of April 2005 and my Department has been informed that the successful candidate is due to commence in December 2005. A locum consultant is currently in place at the hospital pending the appointment of the permanent post holder. This new post will be shared between the AMINCH and Naas General Hospital where an outpatient and ward consultation service will be provided for those living in the area.
