John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

To say I am disappointed is an understatement. I am aware of the difficulties; we all are. The problem is that the situation is ongoing for three years. Somebody must take responsibility to get this unit established. The Minister said that thrombolysis is available nationally at a rate of 11.6% and exceeds the national target. In Kerry it is at 4%, as opposed to the national average of 11.6%. These figures are frightening. What is required is the establishment of the unit and the recruitment of the staff. There should be active participation by the Department and the HSE to recruit the necessary staff.

The last acute stroke clinical lead, Dr. McManus, resigned a number of years ago. Since then, in anticipation of the appointment of a replacement, the development of the acute unit has basically been in abeyance. That is no longer acceptable. Kerry General Hospital provides this service but does not have the facilities or staff to do it properly, so people are in danger. It is endangering their lives. It is a statistical fact that when proper stroke treatment is provided, the incidence of death and disability is reduced by 7%. That is a real figure and people are suffering due to the lack of a service that is provided in a majority of hospitals but not in one as significant as Kerry General Hospital.

I ask the Minister of State to convey to the Minister, Deputy Harris, the serious nature of this problem. We need action, not words. The unit must be set up and the staff and consultants must be put in place.

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