Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 April 2004
299 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has developed a national plan for access to acute services by children; his views on whether, in this context, it is desirable that Beaumont Hospital should develop its own accident and emergency department for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10592/04]
View answerThe national health strategy includes a commitment to a national review of paediatric services which will focus on the future organisation and delivery of hospital services for children. The aim will be to enhance the range and level of services available at regional level and to determine the most effective configuration of tertiary services. The scope for developing certain highly specialised services on an all-Ireland basis will also be explored. I am committed to establishing a national review which will, inter alia, inform and determine the most effective configuration of acute hospital paediatric services.
