Written Answers - Hospital Services. Tuesday, 12 May 2009

Dáil Eireann Debate Vol. 682 No. 2 Page of 298

  191.  Deputy James Reilly      asked the Minister for Health and Children      the number of heart, and single and double lung transplants carried out in the Mater heart-lung unit and in the Freeman Hospital cardio transplant unit in the year ending March 2008; the number of consultants, non-consultant hospital doctors, transplant nurse co-ordinators and transplant specialist nurses employed in each of the units in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18524/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney):    The 2008 Annual Report of the Organ Procurement Service from Beaumont Hospital outlines activity data for organ donation and organ transplantation in Ireland for 2008 for all solid organs, including hearts and lungs. In 2008, there were 81 organ donors, from which ten hearts, seven single-lungs and one double-lung were retrieved for transplant. Four hearts and four single-lungs were transplanted into matching patients in Ireland. The other organs were sent overseas for transplant operations. As the other information requested by the Deputy is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

In relation to organ donation and transplantation generally, my Department has published draft proposals to regulate organ donation and transplantation for public consultation. My Department, with the HSE, is also investigating other issues in the area of organ donation and transplantation with a view to improving the system.

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Last Updated: 07/10/2010 14:10:35

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