HSE West queried on outside communications firm
Galway Bay fm newsroom - The West North West Hospital Group has contracted an outside public relations company, at a cost of over 73 thousand euro last year.
The figure was revealed following a question from Cllr Tim Broderick at a meeting of the Regional Health Forum in Merlin Park this afternoon.
Setanta Communications has provided media and public relations strategy
services to senior management at the hospital group, including out of hours and weekend cover.
Costs for 2012 are recorded at over 25 thousand euro.
The HSE West does not have an external provider and is handled through an in-house service that covers 10 counties.
The internal HSE West Communications office has also allocated one person
to work two days a week for the West North West Hospitals Group.
However members were advised that this is not sufficient to cover the requirements of the wider group, now extending from Donegal to Galway.
Cllr Broderick asked officials if the firm had been contracted for services regarding mental health queries such as the acute psychiatric unit in Ballinasloe.
However Gerry O’Neill Regional Director said the PCCC has not employed Setanta for any such work.
Liam Minihan Assistant National Director of Finance said he would investigate the claim and see who, if anyone, may have authorised any such services.