Lack of consultants for Mid-West area criticised

THE deployment of just two consultants to the Mid-West from the 68 the HSE propose to recruit, has been criticised by a former health minister.

Deputy Michael Noonan yesterday accused ministers Willie O’Dea and Tim O’Malley of failing to look after the people of the region.

The Fine Gael TD said: “While I don’t want to enter into the controversy between the health minister and the medical consultants, I believe that the minister’s advertisement for 68 consultants, nationally, further confirms the downgrading of medical facilities in the Mid-West and the neglect of health care in the Limerick area by this Government.”

The two positions advertised for Limerick were for a psychiatrist and a paediatrician.

Mr Noonan said: “The Mid-West has about 10% of the national population. On a pro-rata basis, this would justify seven of the new consultant posts from those advertised.”

Limerick, he said, needed a neurologist as a priority.

“A number of patient support groups have campaigned vigorously for a neurologist for Limerick, but despite the promises made no neurologist post for Limerick is advertised,” he said.

Mr Noonan said Minister for Health Mary Harney accepted the Hanley Report which recommended the appointment of over 1,000 consultant posts nationally.

He said: “It also recommended that the Mid-West region would be one of the two pilot areas for the implementation of a consultant-delivered service. This envisaged the appointment of almost 100 additional consultants in the region. I would ask where does this commitment now stand?”

Mr Noonan said the announcement that the University of Limerick would develop a graduate entry school of medicine was greeted with acclaim in Limerick.

“However the question must now be asked: How can a graduate entry school of medicine in Limerick be viable if key specialists are not available in Limerick’s hospitals. Is there anyone in this Government who will stand up for Limerick and is there anyone who will ensure that all key medical specialities are practiced in Limerick hospitals?”