Seanad debates
Wednesday, 22 October 2003
National Task Force on Medical Staffing: Statements.
There has been a call to increase the number of NCHDs. However, I believe the medical profession will agree that there are enough junior doctors and that more consultants are needed. If we take on board the concept that we are going to have a consultant led service, it is axiomatic that more consultants will be needed. Everyone who knows anything about medicine or medical procedures is aware that the incidence of diabetes has increased significantly in recent years. The Midland Health Board has applied to recruit an endocrinologist. The diabetic association in the region is lobbying the health board to have that particular specialty brought on stream. There is also evidence of an increase in the incidence of tuberculosis. The increase to which I refer is not huge, but it must be noted. It is, therefore, that the consultant appointments to those particular specialties will be made. There is also a great shortage of psychiatrists with an interest in child and adolescent psychiatry. If we are determined to have a consultant led service, we will need more consultants. It has been proven that we have an adequate number of junior doctors.
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