National Maternity Strategy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2017

Tuesday, 5 December 2017

Ceisteanna (389)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

389. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 81 of 15 November 2017, the position regarding staffing and facilities at the maternity ultrasound department at Galway University Hospital; the complement of staff necessary to provide the services; the vacancies which exist and the recruitment process underway; if women are not receiving scans as a result of staffing issues; if so, the number of women affected in view of the fact that this was not answered in the reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51945/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As indicated in my original reply on 15 November, I was advised by the HSE that while the maternity unit at University Hospital Galway had been experiencing staffing difficulties, the ultrasound scanning service remained in place.

I understand that the HSE replied to you on November 29th; however, given your further queries, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly with the information requested and to clarify if the current staffing difficulties have resulted, or are resulting, in women not receiving scans and if that is the case, to detail the number of women involved.