Tuesday 14 December 1999
Written Answers to Questions

Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Hospitals (Downpatrick)

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will confirm the policy of building a new hospital in Downpatrick.

(AQW 1/99)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): I am aware of the issue which the Member raises, and this is something which I am currently considering.

Tá mé ar an eolas maidir leis an tsaincheist atá an Comhalta a thógáil, agus is rud é seo a bhfuil mé ag breathnú air i láthair na huaire.

Acute Maternity Services
(Downpatrick)

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will undertake a review into the proposed loss of acute services from the Downe and Downpatrick maternity hospitals.

(AQW 2/99)

Ms de Brún: This is one of a number of important matters which I am currently considering. I hope to make a statement on the way forward in due course.

Tá sé seo ar cheann de roinnt ceisteanna tábhachtacha a bhfuil mé ag breathnú orthu i láthair na huaire. Tá mé ag brath ráiteas a dhéanamh in am trátha maidir leis an bhealach chun tosaigh.

Occupational Therapy Referrals
(Down Lisburn Trust)

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps will be taken to increase the financial resource allocation to Down Lisburn Trust in order to reduce the waiting list for occupational therapy referrals.

(AQW 2/99)

Ms de Brún: I can advise that, in response to pressures on waiting times, the Eastern Health and Social Services Board has commissioned a review of occupational therapy services across the board area. Having regard to the outcome of this review, the board will be in a position to consider what, if any, additional resources can be made available to Down Lisburn Trust for this purpose.

Tig liom a thabhairt le fios go bhfuil Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir, mar fhreagairt ar bhrú ar amanna feithimh, i ndiaidh athbhreithniú a choimisiúnú ar na seirbhísí Teiripe Saothair ar fud cheantar an Bhoird. Nuair a bheidh toradh an athbhreithnithe sin ar fáil, beidh an bord i riocht a mheas cad iad na hacmhainní breise, más ann dóibh, is féidir a chur ar fáil d’Iontaobhas an Dúin-Lios na gCearrbhach chuige sin.