Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for her response. I ask the Minister to clarify why every other appointment to Roscommon is done on a joint basis of a hospital group of Roscommon, Galway University Hospital and Portiuncula, yet in regard to non-consultant hospital doctors, it is specific to the hospital in Roscommon. This situation could be addressed overnight and reduce the 22% deficit of non-consultant hospital doctors to 3%.

There is a specific crisis in respect of theatre nurses in Roscommon. If two theatre nurses are appointed, we can deal with the colonoscopy backlog in Galway University Hospital. Theatre nurses are critical health staff and their absence is jeopardising the 24-hour service. In light of the commitment given by the Minister in respect of the 24-7 service, will she ensure non-consultant hospital doctors are appointed on the basis of a group of hospitals and will she make two theatre nurse appointments to ensure the services continue?

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