Bernard Allen
Question:205 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for the delays in merging University College Hospital, Galway, and Merlin Park Hospital; and the way in which he will deal with this issue. [4048/00]
Written Answers. - Hospitals Merger.
The organisation and management of services at University College Hospital and Merlin Park Hospital, Galway, is a matter for the Western Health Board in the first instance. I am aware from the Western Health Board's 2000 service plan that it has established a group to identify the issues involved in the unification of the two hospitals, to recommend appropriate action to effectively accomplish this integration and to suggest an appropriate name to reflect the unified structure. I understand that this group is examining the issue from a variety of perspectives, including most importantly that of the patient, with the objective of providing a seamless service between both hospitals. I am not aware of any delay having occurred in the work in which the board is now engaged.