No rheumatologist for Tralee unless hospital ‘pays its bills’

The HSE will not be able to appoint a consultant rheumatologist to address chronic waiting lists at Kerry General this year unless the hospital manages to “pay off its own bills”.

The health service’s area manager for Kerry, Michael Fitzgerald, made the claim at the HSE South regional health forum in Cork City yesterday.

Responding to concerns from Fine Gael councillor Matt Griffin that the key post at the Tralee hospital remained unfilled, Mr Fitzgerald said it was “the intention” of the HSE to make an appointment — initially outlined for the spring — “in the latter part of the year”.