Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The HSE knew full well for some time that one consultant was due to retire, with the other to go on maternity leave, while the third post was advertised. I appeal to the Minister of State to use his good offices and officials to ensure the HSEwill do all in its power to ensure the consultant posts are filled as soon as possible. The irony is that the dermatology unit in University Hospital Waterford was physically upgraded. The physical infrastructure is in place and we need the specialised staff which the people of Waterford and the south east deserve. We were assured of this in the House and correspondence when the new hospital groupings were established. Although we were informed that when specialist services were required in University Hospital Waterford, they would be delivered, it is not the case. While the HSE has stated it is a temporary problem, a temporary problem can lead to a very serious one for many patients who do not have access to these essential services. I want the Minister of State to take on board what Government Deputies are saying and ensure the problem is addressed as soon as possible.

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