I am aware that a process of planning for changes to the services at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan is underway by the HSE. I am also acutely aware that any proposed changes to health services can be a source of great anxiety and worry for communities affected, and I am determined that any changes to the service at Navan must be done in consultation with the local community. I have therefore instructed the HSE to pause in the planning of these changes in order to engage in consultation with elected representatives on behalf of local people.
The context for these changes is the Smaller Hospitals Framework, which was approved by Government and published in 2013. The Framework included a list of nine designated Model 2 Hospitals, including Our Lady’s Hospital Navan. Navan will be the last of these hospitals to transition to Model 2. The HSE has advised that changes to the services at Navan, in line with the Government Decision, are necessary to support safe service delivery on a sustained basis and to address clinical concerns. The HSE's planning envisages the development of a 24 /7 Acute Medical Assessment Unit, along with a 12/7 Local Injuries Unit, and an extended role for the hospital in areas such as day and ambulatory surgery. I am advised that this would see the significant majority of current footfall continue, with the hospital in the future providing more care rather than less, but at the right level of complexity in clinical terms, and supported by the necessary investment.
I cannot comment on individual cases. However, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in regard to the specific issue raised in relation to the theatre.
