PRESS RELEASE

17/06/2005

APPOINTMENT OF CONSULTANT HAEMATOLOGIST FOR MERCY HOSPTIAL

Today Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher warmly welcomed the news that the post of Consultant Haematologist with an interest in Paediatric Haematology at the Mercy Hospital.

“Following the imminent retirement of Professor Peter Kearney there has been growing concern among the medical profession, parents and patients alike that Munster would loose the invaluable services that were provided by the Leukaemia Unit at the Mercy Hospital.”

“There has been a campaign running for someone to highlight this concern and unfortunately there had been a very worrying wall of silence from the parties involved.  I recently met with the Children’s Leukaemia Association who conveyed their fears to me.  I subsequently made representations to the Minister of Health and followed this with a question that I put before the house.”

“In reply to this question the Minister referred me to the HSE and I was delighted to receive the news that the post of Consultant Haematologist with an interest in Paediatric Haematology at the Mercy Hospital has been approved at a recent meeting of the representatives of Comhairle na nOspideal.  Once the final approval for filling of the post is given the Mercy hospital will be notified and the position will be advertised.”

“This has been a very worrying time for everyone, given the importance of such a service even the minute possibility of the loss of such a service would be totally unacceptable.  It would have meant that patients and parents alike would have to travel to Dublin to receive treatment and considerable expense and stress to everyone involved.”

“I have no doubt that this news will alleviate the anxiety being felt by patients, parents and their support networks of family and friends as well as the medical community.”