Bernard Allen
Ceist:558 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has studied the acute hospitals review group report in Northern Ireland; and the implications it has for cross-Border services. [22059/01]
Written Answers. - Acute Hospital Services.
My Department has received a copy of the acute hospitals review group report on acute health services in Northern Ireland. While the report was primarily tasked with the remit of examining and making recommendations on the profile of acute health services in Northern Ireland, it also makes recommendations in the areas of primary care, the essential infrastructure supporting the delivery of care, and also cross-Border co-operation.
The recommendations on cross-Border services outline potential for co-operation both at local and all-island level. The recommendations contained in the report will inform the deliberations of the working groups established in the health area on foot of the Good Friday Agreement. These groups are developing proposals for closer co-operation in a number of areas relevant to the acute hospital sector. The areas identified include A&E services, major emergency planning, cancer research, co-operation on high technology equipment and health promotion.