Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2004
162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children his alternative proposals to those set out in the Hanly report with particular reference to the implications for the various general hospitals throughout the country; if his attention has been drawn to the likely negative impact of the Hanly proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6997/04]
View answerI believe the Hanly report will have a very positive impact for hospitals and for the patients that they serve. The proposals involve much better access to senior clinical decision-making, a substantial increase in consultant numbers, shorter working hours for junior doctors and a better organised service for patients in acute hospitals throughout the country. For these reasons, I have no plans to put forward alternative proposals, nor have I seen any viable alternative proposals from others.
166 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps he proposes to take to ensure the continued provision of full services at Cavan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6826/04]
View answerResponsibility for the provision of services at Cavan General Hospital rests with the North Eastern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to examine the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly. I met with representatives of the hospital's medical board, at their request, on 5 February 2004 to discuss the position with regard to the provision of acute hospital services within the Cavan-Monaghan hospital group. The medical board representatives tabled several proposals at this meeting which are the subject of discussion with the North Eastern Health Board.
