Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 104: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the efforts she is making to improve specialist health services in the west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15498/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Responsibility for the provision of and improvements to specialist health services in the former western Health Board area rests with the Health Service Executive. The executive has advised that the following developments are planned for the current year. At University College Hospital Galway funding of €16 million has been provided to commission new units which include the opening of 22 beds; the appointment of a new cardiac surgeon, the opening of a theatre, ten cardiac surgery beds and three intensive care unit beds; the transfer of orthopaedic trauma from Merlin Park Hospital to the University College Hospital Galway. A consultant endocrinologist and support staff have been appointed at the obesity centre at University College Hospital Galway. An ENT, head and neck cancer specialist and a third oncologist with outreach clinics to Portiuncula and Mayo General Hospitals have been appointed. The number of oncology day treatment places at Portiuncula Hospital have been expanded from four to six. A third renal dialysis shift is being introduced to Mayo General Hospital. A respiratory physician and a paediatrician have been appointed. Two clinical nurse specialists for neurology services at University College Hospital Galway have also been appointed.

I am satisfied that the above service developments will expand the range of hospital services available to the area.