Hospital Staff Recruitment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2015

Tuesday, 7 July 2015

Ceisteanna (303, 304)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

303. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health regarding a meeting in his Department on 27 February 2015 at which it was stated that it is proposed that consultants from the Saolta university health care group would travel to Letterkenny General Hospital in County Donegal as a medium to long-term solution in alleviating pressure on breast cancer services at the hospital, if this measure has been successfully introduced; the frequency of these visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26930/15]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

304. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health regarding a meeting in his Department on 27 February 2015, at which it was stated that further efforts were being made to fill vacant posts for two general practitioner positions in the breast cancer service in Letterkenny General Hospital in County Donegal, if these vacancies have been successfully filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26932/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 304 together.

Following the meeting in my Department on 27 February in relation to breast cancer services at Letterkenny General Hospital, a breast surgeon from the Saolta Group attended clinics in Letterkenny in March, April, May and June. The consultant involved is next scheduled to hold a clinic in Letterkenny on 5 August. Further clinics have been provided by a locum breast surgeon in April and May and it is envisaged that such assistance will continue to be available in the short-term. Saolta is currently finalising a schedule for the period until the end of September.

The Saolta Group have held two recruitment campaigns seeking to appoint two GPs, each working 1.5 days per week, to support the Breast Unit in Letterkenny General Hospital. However, they have not secured an appointment and they propose to renew their efforts in this regard later in the year.