Dáil debates

Tuesday, 27 May 2008

8:00 pm

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

I thank Deputy Ciarán Lynch for sharing time. When this matter was first raised, certain commitments were made. One commitment was that from September 2007 two of these theatres in Cork University Hospital would be opened on a part-time basis, leading in time to full-time occupancy. This has not happened.

There are four operating lists for gynaecology for Cork University Hospital. A list comprises a half-day of operating. Of those four lists, two are taken up by two gynaecologists while ten consultants must compete for time in the other two lists. There is one gynaecologist who specialises in investigation but has a list only every two weeks.

The lives of women diagnosed with cancer are being put at risk. The necessary procedures could be carried out immediately. However, there is no space available at the theatres because the management at Cork University Hospital and HSE South have decided the money is not available to open them. One theatre could be opened for two days a week but this cannot be done because there are not enough staff to carry out the necessary sterilisation procedures for the theatre.

I am sure Deputy Harney is still the Minister for Health and Children, despite the fact we have not seen her for some time. However, she takes no responsibility for this situation. I am not blaming the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Moloney, as he is only here to do a job tonight. Someone, however, must be responsible. This is a disaster waiting to happen. Consultants in Cork University Hospital, dedicated professionals, are in such a plight they are fast becoming disillusioned. We all buy into the notion that more consultants are needed. With no operating theatres and no time available, they can only sit around drinking coffee. If this is what the consultants will have to do, why are we employing more? The Minister is responsible, despite the fact that she wants to keep the health service at arm's length. She will eventually be made to confront the women in Cork whose treatment will be protracted. She is putting women's health and their lives in danger because of these delays. She should face up to her responsibility and deal with the matter.

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