Brendan Smith
Question:239. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if additional services will be provided at a hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4910/18]
View answerWednesday, 31 January 2018
Questions (239)
Written answers
The Smaller Hospitals Framework defines the role of smaller hospitals and outlines the need for smaller hospitals and larger hospitals to operate as Hospital Groups. The Framework identifies the activities that can be performed in smaller hospitals in a safe and sustainable manner. These include extended day surgery, selected acute medicine, a local injuries service, a large range of diagnostic services, specialist rehabilitation medicine and palliative care. In developing our smaller hospitals, as set out in the Smaller Hospitals Framework, the first and over-riding concern is the safety of patients.
Significant progress has been made in the establishment and development of Hospital Groups over the last few years. Our hospitals are now working together and supporting each other in Groups. This new way of working provides a stronger role for smaller hospitals, like Monaghan Hospital, in delivering less complex care. It also ensures that patients who require true emergency or complex planned care are managed safely in larger hospitals.
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.