I propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 112, 118, 124 and 152 together.
I have been advised that the Health Service Executive is currently considering a proposal to put in place, as part of its national hospitals office, four administrative regions for hospital services. These are the western region, Dublin/north-east region, southern region and Dublin/mid-Leinster region. This proposal, if implemented, would not necessarily mean a reduction in the existing ten hospital networks. The proposed administrative regions for acute hospital services would be the same as the existing four regional structures for delivering primary, community and continuing care.
I understand that the aim of the proposal, which is still being considered within the HSE, is to achieve greater co-ordination of service delivery at regional level. It recognises that one of the problems to date with the health service is the lack of co-ordination between the acute services and the community services. A seamless delivery of services is the key to meeting patient needs and requirements. Lack of cohesion in this area has led to people accessing services in inappropriate settings. Co-ordination is an essential component in the spectrum of health care provision required to achieve responsive and appropriate delivery.
It is entirely for the board of the HSE to decide how best to organise the management and delivery of health and personal social services. Any measures which impact positively on patients will have my support.