Seanad debates
Thursday, 27 March 2003
Adjournment Matter. - Hospital Services.
10:30 am
Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to share time with Senator Feighan.
Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)
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I raise this matter with the Minister of State because of the situation at the kidney dialysis unit at Sligo General Hospital, which facility is located in a house at the rear of the hospital. It is totally unsuitable and conditions are cramped. Until recently no advance could be made on the project. The nurses have now moved to the nursing school, as a result of which space has become available at the hospital. I record my gratitude to them. The unit is now ready to move as soon as funding is available. Will the Minister of State prioritise the project because it has caused a lot of concern, particularly in the last three years?
Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)
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I thank Senator Scanlon for raising this issue. I was nominated to the Seanad by the Irish Kidney Association and my father is on dialysis at the unit in Sligo. I support everything Senator Scanlon is doing to advance the project.
Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I thank Senator Scanlon for providing me with the opportunity to clarify, on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children, the position on renal services at Sligo General Hospital. I also acknowledge what was said by Senator Feighan.
The Minister has identified renal services as among the main acute hospital services for priority development. He has provided additional funding of over €15 million for the period 2000-03 to develop renal services and increase capacity in this area. This includes an additional €1.8 million provided this year for the further development of the services. The principles underpinning this investment are to ensure services are available regionally in order that patients do not have to travel long distances and ensure an equitable availability of treatment choice for patients, irrespective of their geographical location.
The need for an initiative of this nature is highlighted by the anticipated growth in demand for renal services having regard to demographic and epidemiological factors. The demand for such services is expected to increase substantially over the next decade and it will be important to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to meet this demand.
The key principles underpinning developments in this area are: capital investment where there are identified capacity constraints; additional revenue funding where there is scope to absorb more patients and provision of additional consultant nephrologists where required to improve access. Against this background, the Minister has established a review group to formulate a national strategy for renal services and set out a framework for future service delivery, while building on the existing development plan. Dr. Liam Plant, a nephrologist at Cork University Hospital will chair the group. The terms of reference for the review have been finalised and a broad representation of all interested parties will be invited onto the group. This initiative is in line with the commitment made in the national health strategy, Quality and Fairness – a Health System for You, that a national review of renal services would be undertaken.
With regard to services at Sligo General Hospital, the Senators will appreciate that responsibility for the provision of services at the hospital rests with the North Western Health Board, NWHB. Renal services in the region are provided at Letterkenny and Sligo General Hospitals. The renal dialysis service at Sligo General Hospital is being provided in temporary accommodation. I note what Senator Scanlon said about the movement from that accommodation and will convey his views to the Department. The Minister has been advised by the board that the development of the new renal dialysis unit at the hospital is a priority.
I understand the board is reviewing its priorities for capital development projects under the indicative funding notified to it by the Department under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Having regard to the high priority which the board attaches to the development of the new dialysis unit at the hospital it is to be hoped the project will proceed at an early date. The Government will continue to invest in the development of high quality, equitable and accessible hospital services, including dialysis services, in order that those availing of services continue to receive timely and appropriate care.