Hospital Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 June 2010

Thursday, 10 June 2010

Ceisteanna (6, 7)

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

6 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the reduction in dermatology services at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin as a result of diminished resources in respect of which the hospital has stated that it has no option, in the interest of patient safety and best clinical practice, but temporarily to close referrals to its adult and paediatric dermatology service; her plans to rectify this situation promptly in order that appointments can be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24890/10]

Liz McManus

Ceist:

21 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to prevent the temporary closure of the adult and paediatric service in Tallaght hospital, Dublin 24; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the hospital has been forced to close referrals to this service for at least seven months due to the of lack of resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24996/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 21 together.

The HSE is aware of the challenges currently being experienced by Tallaght Hospital in relation to dermatology services and is actively in discussion with the hospital with a view to putting an action plan in place which will allow for the resumption of referrals for dermatology patients, both adult and paediatric, as soon as possible.