asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his Department's plans for the reorganisation of the casualty services in the Cork area; if the units in the Cork Regional Hospital and the Mercy Hospital will remain with the present staff levels; and if he will ensure that the services at present in operation will be maintained.
Written Answers. - Cork Accident and Emergency Services.
211.
Officials of my Department are discussing with representatives of the SHB and the two voluntary hospitals in Cork ways in which general hospital services can be improved. One of the issues being examined is the rationalisation of accident and emergency services in the three hospitals. No final decisions have yet been agreed. However, the overall objective is to provide the best accident and emergency service to the hospitals.
The Deputy may be aware that substantial renovations are being carried out to the casualty department of the Mercy Hospital to improve facilities for patients requiring emergency treatment.