The Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Ms Harney, has indicated that neurosurgical services should be established in Galway as part of the Government's health strategy.
Such a service was required if there was to be "regional autonomy", Ms Harney said during a visit to University College Hospital, Galway yesterday.
Certain accident cases requiring specialist neurosurgical treatment could not be transferred to Dublin for distance reasons, and the case for a service in the west had been made to her in a "very impressive" presentation before Christmas, she said.
The Tánaiste's comments represent the first clear indication that the Government is committed to such a service west of the Shannon.
Neurosurgeons at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, have said a State-run emergency air ambulance service would be preferable to establishing a neurosurgery unit on the western seaboard. They acknowledged there could be an argument for a unit for emergencies and spinal injuries.
The Western Neurosurgery Campaign, chaired by Ms Pam Fleming - whose son, Sammy (26), sustained brain injuries in a road accident in Co Galway - has stated that accident victims and other critically-ill patients in the west, cannot be treated due to the lack of a neurosurgery service.
