Wednesday, July 09, 2008

HSE To Explore Development Of Satellite Dialysis Unit At Ennis General Hospital

Minister of State, Mr. Tony Killeen has received confirmation from the Health Service Executive (HSE) that it is exploring the possibility of establishing a Satellite Dialysis Centre at Ennis General Hospital.

The Clare T.D received confirmation of the proposed development following a meeting this week with Ms. Mary Harney TD, Minister for Health and Children. According to Minister Killeen, “During the meeting I impressed upon Minister Harney the urgent need to move ahead with the EUR39 million capital project for Ennis General Hospital. I also reiterated the need to ensure that the HSE provides adequate funding to maintain existing services at Ennis General Hospital while providing newer services such as a Satellite Dialysis unit.”

Commenting on the letter he received from the HSE, Minister Killeen said, “A Satellite Dialysis Centre is currently being established in Limerick to alleviate some of the pressure on the Dooradoyle facility. This will provide some relief for Clare patients in the short term. In the longer term, the HSE has said it would like to explore the possibility of establishing a satellite unit at Ennis General Hospital.”

“The HSE stated that this option would be evaluated in light of the demand and throughput of patients. However, this is not likely to be developed in the short-term. The HSE confirmed that there are currently 22 patients for Clare receiving haemodialysis treatment”, concluded Minister Killeen.