Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Two new consultant paediatric orthopaedic posts were approved for 2016 for Crumlin. This has increased the work rate to a current total of more than three whole-time equivalent posts, an increase since the end of 2015. One person has taken up a post providing some less complex spinal surgery along with other orthopaedic work. The second post was filled by a surgeon who was already working full-time in Crumlin and will now be working full-time on paediatric surgery. This creates a vacancy for the children’s hospital group in Crumlin and Tallaght. They are now discussing how that post should best be structured.

When that vacancy is filled, it is envisaged that at the end of this year there will be six people in posts of particular specialty in this case. The increase in consultant manpower is intended to enhance the overall service for children. It will be further discussed by the Minister with the chief executive today.

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