James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

57. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that for eight years there was no consultant urologist at Temple Street Children's Hospital until the appointment of a consultant in summer 2016; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that while this appointment is welcome there are a number of concerns (details supplied) raised by service users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37769/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The HSE has advised that there had been a vacancy for some time for a Consultant Paediatric Urologist at Temple Street Hospital as recruitment efforts for this very specific specialty post were not successful. However interim arrangements to provide specialist consultant input were put in place, including arrangements with a Consultant Paediatric Urologist in the NHS to visit Temple Street.

Since this Summer, a Consultant Urologist has been in post in Temple St Hospital. In addition, there are two Clinical Nurse Specialist assigned to the Spina Bifida service in Temple Street, with administrative support.

The challenge in accessing radiology services for urology is acknowledged as the radiological department in Temple Street provides services on an in-patient, out-patient and emergency basis and also provides a walk in service to GPs and a 24/7 MRI on-call service.

The challenge in accessing theatre for urology and other specialties is also acknowledged as the hospital has introduced rolling theatre closures due to nursing shortages. However the HSE has advised that the hospital is on a recruitment drive and was successful in recruiting six theatre nurses during 2016. There are plans to recruit a further five staff nurses in 2017 and the allocation of theatre sessions is robustly managed by the Theatre Manager to ensure that all available sessions are utilised to maximum capacity.

The HSE has also has advised that the Consultant Urologist is working closely with senior management at Temple Street Hospital to provide a service within the current resources, and that the hospital is very supportive of the Urologist in this regard.