Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the plans in place to provide access to a microbiologist in all hospitals here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16266/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. As such it is for the HSE to determine priorities and decide how these funds are used to deliver the best and most efficient and safe public health service.

However, I have been informed by the HSE that Consultant Microbiology appointments to date have tended to centre on the larger hospitals which provide more complex care. Many smaller hospitals do not have dedicated sessions from a microbiologist but have access to microbiology advice. Strengthening infection control remains a priority with the HSE and further increases in consultant microbiology staffing will occur as resources allow. Hospitals which do not currently have dedicated sessions will be prioritised for such appointments.