Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
579. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) resigned from a post in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin 9; and the steps he has taken to operate the unit in view of the fact that it has only 50% of the numbers of surgeons it should have. [14531/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the end of 2014, two consultant transplant surgeons left the programme, one on retirement and the second on leave of absence for professional development purposes. Given the limited number of surgeons who specialise in renal transplantation, any vacancies pose a challenge. While every effort is being made to fill the vacancies, adequate surgeons are available to provide transplant services. All available kidneys suitable for transplantation have been utilised and no kidneys have been exported.
Beaumont Hospital is collaborating with other transplant services in relation to the development of an intra-abdominal organ retrieval service as well as a combined approach to kidney/pancreas transplants.
Additional funding of almost €3m has been provided to the HSE's Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland to facilitate the development of the most appropriate infrastructure to support organ donation and transplantation. The extra investment includes provision for the appointment of 19 whole-time-equivalent staff dedicated to organ donation and transplantation across the country. These staff will work to foster a strong culture of organ donation and optimise conversion rates.
