Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2005
258 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a full-time cardiologist will be appointed at Kerry General Hospital, Tralee, County Kerry as Kerry has the highest rate of cardiac related illnesses in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28972/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn April 2004, funding of €500,000 was allocated to the Southern Health Board under the cardiovascular health strategy. The funding enabled the board to establish a consultant-led cardiology service for patients in Kerry for the first time. A consultant cardiologist was appointed in March 2005 by way of a sessional partnership between Bon Secours Hospital in Tralee and Kerry General Hospital. The provision of additional consultant posts will proceed within the context of the restructuring of the acute hospital services and the negotiation of a new contract for hospital consultants.
