Vol. 573 No. 1
225 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether the conclusions and recommendations in the report of the national task force on medical staffing amplify the case being made for Tuam Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24455/03]
The report of the national task force on medical staffing contains specific recommendations regarding the configuration of acute hospital services in the East Coast Area Health Board and the Mid-Western Health Board. No specific recommendations are made for other regions, including the Western Health Board region. The task force concluded that we need a fundamental reorganisation of acute hospital services which supports high quality patient care and takes account of reduced working hours of NCHDs, a consultant provided service and education and training requirements. The report is not about downgrading hospitals. Instead, the task force has pointed to the need to bring services closer to patients, while ensuring that patients are treated in the hospital most capable of providing them with the type of care they require.
The next phase of work will involve the preparation of a plan for the configuration of acute hospital services throughout the country. I am currently establishing a small expert group to work with my Department and, when established, the national hospitals office, will develop such a plan in accordance with the principles of the report.
