HSE delays appointments of neurological consultants

THE Oireachtas Committee on Health will be writing to the head of the Health Services Executive (HSE), Professor Brendan Drumm, asking him to explain apparent delays in appointing four consultant neurologists.

The Committee yesterday heard that the positions — for Beaumont in Dublin, and for Sligo, Limerick and Waterford — had been approved by Government, that funding had been put in place, but that none has been advertised as yet.

Dr Orla Hardiman, a consultant neurologist at Beaumont Hospital said that the posts had been approved by one section of the HSE but awaited approval from another section.

Sligo FF TD Dr Jimmy Devins, another committee member, said there were only two consultants serving the entire western seaboard, both based in Galway.

“There is a huge need for neurological services. In the North West I frequently meet people with multiple sclerosis who have to travel to Dublin or Galway.

“We have been campaigning for this post for a long time. We want the HSE to make sure it is advertised as quickly as possible as it affects a huge number of people,” said Dr Devins.

A HSE spokesman said that one of the positions has already been approved; another two would be approved today; and the fourth at Beaumont is close to approval but is subject to some final clarifications.

He described as untrue any suggestion that the appointment had been delayed for a year. “Once they are approved, the (HSE) regions is free to advertise them.”

The spokesman rejected any suggestion that there was undue delay.