Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 6

Written Answers. - Accident and Emergency Services.

Paul McGrath

Question:

306 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if, despite recent newspaper speculation concerning the possible closure of accident and emergency facilities at many hospitals, there are no plans to reduce or downgrade services provided at the accident and emergency unit at Longford-Westmeath General Hospital. [24097/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The report of the national task force on medical staffing contains specific recommendations regarding the configuration of acute hospital services in the East Coast Area Health Board and the Mid-Western Health Board. No specific recommendations are made for other regions, including the Midland Health Board region.

The task force concluded that we need a fundamental reorganisation of acute hospital services which supports high quality patient care and takes account of reduced working hours of NCHDs, a consultant provided service and education and training requirements. The report is not about "downgrading" hospitals. Instead, the task force has pointed to the need to bring services closer to patients, while ensuring that patients are treated in the hospital most capable of providing them with the type of care they require.

The next phase of work will involve the preparation of a plan for the configuration of acute hospital services throughout the country. I am currently establishing a small expert group to work with my Department and, when established, the national hospitals office, to develop such a plan in accordance with the principles of the task force report.