Health Services Staff

Tuesday, 9 July 2024

Ceisteanna (740)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

740. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the reason for the closure of the pain management service at Sligo University Hospital; the number of approved consultant posts in this field working across the Saolta Hospital Group and Health Region West and North West; the number of filled posts, permanent and temporary, in tabular form; the steps he will take to re-open the pain services in the west and north west and ensure local access to pain services in line with Sláintecare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29416/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The reason for the closure of this service is that the two consultant doctors providing the Chronic Pain service in Sligo University Hospital are both moving to new roles. The HSE advises that recruitment to fill these posts is ongoing and everything is being done to minimise impact on patients.

As an interim measure, and until the new consultants are in post, alternative arrangements are being put in place for patients who are currently attending the service. These arrangements include appointments being offered in Kingsbridge Sligo for procedures and exploring outsourcing with NTPF.

A locum Consultant will commence in July to oversee the governance of the Pain Management and Education a psychologically-based rehabilitative treatment for people with persistent pain.

With regard to the number of approved consultant posts in this field working across the Saolta Hospital Group and Health Region West and North West; the number of filled posts, permanent and temporary, in tabular form is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.