Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The Deputy referred to general surgeons. In 2005 one procedure was carried out at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore; two were carried out at St. Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown; two were carried out at Mercy University Hospital, Cork; two were carried out at St. Michael's Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, and three were carried out at Mallow General Hospital. The number of procedures carried out at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Ennis was seven. Portiuncula Hospital had the highest number, having carried out 17 procedures. No procedures were carried out at the hospitals located in Naas, Roscommon, Cavan and Navan. Clearly, as the volume of activity increases, resources will follow as far as possible. University College Hospital Galway has a staff of 2,674. The number has increased rapidly in recent years as a result not only of the availability of cancer treatment services but also cardiovascular and other specialties.

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