Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. Renal services are one of the main priority areas for development. Additional revenue funding of more than €20 million has been provided since 2000 to develop renal services in response to increased demand at national level. This includes an additional €5 million provided in the current year, of which €400,000 was allocated to the Western Health Board. This investment has supported the development of renal services on a regional basis. More patients than ever before are now accessing renal dialysis units.

As regards renal dialysis at Mayo General Hospital, I understand from the Western Health Board that in 1997 the unit was treating 12 patients and is currently treating 26 patients. Staffing levels in the unit have increased and arrangements are being made to increase capacity of the dialysis stations in the unit from nine to 13. Since 2000 in excess of €1.2 million has been provided to the Western Health Board as part of the structured programme of investment in the development of renal services for the region. Two consultant nephrologists currently provide services in the region.

While the hospital has attempted to meet the increasing demand for dialysis and is currently treating 26 patients, a number of patients from County Mayo receive dialysis treatment in Galway. The hospital has informed me that it is exploring all possibilities of meeting the existing demand within current financial and human resources constraints. I assure the Deputy that in my time as Minister for Health and Children I will continue to develop services at hospitals such as Mayo General Hospital.

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