Dáil Éireann - Volume 495 - 13 October, 1998

Written Answers. - Maternity Services.

Ms Clune Ms Clune

243. Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to ensure that there will be epidural cover 24 hours a day, seven days a week for women delivering babies in Cork city hospitals; the timescale involved in providing this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19206/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen) Brian Cowen

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen): The provision of epidural services has been the subject of discussions between the Department of Health and Children and the Southern Health Board and I have recently approved the appointment of five additional anaesthetic registrars. I understand from the board that interviews are currently being arranged for these positions and the filling of these posts will enable the commencement of a full epidural service in both Erinville and St. Finbarr's hospitals on a daily basis from 1 January 1999.

Dáil Éireann 495 Written Answers. Maternity Services.

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