Frustration over X-ray machine farce

AN UNUSED X-ray machine bought six years ago at a cost of

?¬500,000 is to continue gathering dust in Ballymun as it would be too expensive to move it elsewhere.

The hi-tech radiology scanner has been lying idle in Ballymun Primary Health Centre since it opened in 2006 and can’t be used because of a lack of staff due to the public sector recruitment embargo.

Northside People first broke this story back in April 2011 when we brought the situation to the attention of Roisin Shortall, Minister of State at Department of Health with responsibility of primary care.

The issue was recently raised again in the Dáil where Minister Shortall described the situation as

“far from ideal

? and

“yet another example of poor planning within the health service

?.

“The current situation is far from ideal,

? Minister Shortall stated.

“I would very much like to see the machine brought into use, but I understand the cost of moving it would be substantial, being in the region of

?¬85,000.

“We are considering all possibilities with a view to seeing if it can be used. It is a shame to see facilities like this lying idle.

?

Minister Shortall described how she visited the Ballymun primary care centre after she first became aware of the situation and has since repeatedly raised the matter with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

“As a result of those enquiries, the HSE established an assessment team in 2011 comprising the area manager for north Dublin city and the national clinical leads for primary care and emergency medicine to explore evidence-based options for the use of the X-ray machine that was installed as part of the centre fit-out,

? she stated.

“Following wide consultation with relevant clinicians, it was decided that in the current economic climate and in view of reduced resources, it would not be prudent to invest further in the X-ray facility.

?

According to Minister Shortall, X-ray services for north Dublin are very good and there is no waiting time for trauma cases or chest X-ray referrals.

“While it was decided to explore the option of relocating the X-ray machine, the costs associated with moving and installing it in the current climate were found to be prohibitive,

? she stated.

“The HSE will consider other options regarding the future of the machine, but no consideration has been given as of yet to selling it.

?

She added:

“I am loath to lose an important item of medical equipment from the primary care service or the public health system generally and I am keen to ensure it is brought into use as soon as possible.

?

Minister Shortall acknowledged that this situation should never have developed.

“It is a shame that the necessary resources for staffing were not provided when the facility was established in 2006,

? she stated.

“It is yet another example of poor planning within the health service, where capital and revenue are often not co-ordinated.

?

The Special Delivery Unit has been asked to ascertain whether the X-ray machine could be used as part of the unit’s work in taking pressure off local hospitals.

The Minister made her remarks in reply to questions put forward by Deputy Billy Kellegher (FF) on behalf of local Northside councillor Paul McAuliffe (FF).

Deputy Kellegher said he found the situation so hard to believe that he had to double check the information provided to him by the councillor.

Cllr McAuliffe welcomed the public debate on the matter.

“We have to see this expensive piece of equipment put to use and the HSE must reverse their decision to leave it idle,

? he stated.