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Provision of general paediatric surgical services in a regional hospital

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Irish Journal of Medical Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

In Ireland, specialist paediatric surgery is carried out in paediatric hospitals in Dublin. General surgeons/consultants in other surgical specialities provide paediatric surgical care in regional centres. There has been a failure to train general surgeons with paediatric skills to replace these surgeons upon retirement.

Aim

To assess paediatric surgical workload in one regional centre to focus the debate regarding the future provision of general paediatric surgery in Ireland.

Methods

Hospital in-patient enquiry (HIPE) system was used to identify total number of paediatric surgical admissions and procedures. Cases assessed requiring hospital transfer.

Results

Of 17,478 surgical patients treated, 2,584 (14.8%) were under 14 years. A total of 2,154 procedures were performed.

Conclusion

Regional centres without dedicated paediatric surgeons deliver care to large numbers of paediatric patients. The demand for care highlights the need for formal paediatric services/appropriate surgical training for general surgical trainees.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Surgery and Anaesthesia, Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, Ireland

    O. Zgraj, M. Clarke Moloney, C. Motherway & P. A. Grace

  2. Department of Vascular Surgery, Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Dooradoyle, Limerick, Ireland

    P. A. Grace

Authors
  1. O. Zgraj
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  2. M. Clarke Moloney
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  3. C. Motherway
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  4. P. A. Grace
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to P. A. Grace.

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Zgraj, O., Clarke Moloney, M., Motherway, C. et al. Provision of general paediatric surgical services in a regional hospital. Ir J Med Sci 179, 29–33 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-009-0412-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-009-0412-7

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