Accident and Emergency Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 May 2012

Wednesday, 2 May 2012

Questions (138, 139)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

144 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to downgrade any accident and emergency departments; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22072/12]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

145 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of accident and emergency departments he expects to be downgraded to urgent care centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22073/12]

Written answers

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.

Any changes to services provided by the HSE are carried out in the context of HSE Service Plans and are informed by a range of issues, including clinical best practice and patient safety. However, I have requested that no changes take place in the service delivery without informing me before implementation of changes.