Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 150: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide an additional dermatologist for the south-east region, as was recommended in November 2003 by Comhairle na nOspidéal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36367/09]

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

One of the guiding principles of the Comhairle na nOspidéal's report of the Committee on Dermatology Services is that services should be equitable and patient centred with a strong emphasis on regional self-sufficiency and collaboration between primary and secondary care. This is in line with the Government commitment to ensuring quality health services, delivered efficiently and effectively. Ensuring patient safety is paramount, so that people can have confidence in the services and that the best possible patient outcomes are achieved.

The HSE recognises that dermatology services in the HSE South East require further development. At present there is one consultant dermatologist working in the South East region. The dermatology service includes in-patient care where required; day cases and out-patient consultations. Out-reach clinics are provided in Wexford, Kilkenny and Clonmel. In Waterford Regional Hospital, the dermatology services include a range of facilities including out-patient clinics, cryotherapy, minor surgery and nurse-led phototherapy services. The HSE has identified the provision of a second consultant dermatology post among its priorities for development. This year I allocated funding to the HSE for demographic service pressures, and the HSE decided to prioritise posts in vascular surgery and orthopaedics in the South East. I am pleased to say that these posts were approved and are now being progressed.

The HSE is faced with difficult choices in delivering its services within the resources available. It will continue to keep the scope for further developments in dermatology services under consideration bearing in mind the funds it has available. In line with the National Service Plan 2009 and its Transformation Programme, the HSE will be reviewing the current configuration of all hospitals in the South Eastern Hospital Group.