I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 to 151, inclusive, together.
The HSE is assessing services in the Louth/Meath Hospital Group, including Navan Hospital, in the context of the need to improve service quality, effectiveness and patient access, address patient safety issues and ensure that patient care is provided in the service setting most appropriate to individuals' needs. The assessment is focusing on the HSE Acute Medicine Programme, the Peyton Report and HIQA's reports on Ennis and Mallow in this regard. My Department understands that draft documentation has been prepared by the HSE at local level in this regard but that no definitive plans have been made regarding changes to services for patients.
In relation to the Emergency Department at Navan Hospital, I have emphasised that any changes need to be carried out in a planned way and that all changes will be fully communicated.
The HSE has advised that it has no plans to transfer all surgery from Navan to Louth County Hospital. Currently patients with acute or complex surgical problems are assessed at Navan Hospital and if requiring admission are transferred to one of the receiving hospitals in Dublin North East.
The HSE is determined to provide orthopaedic services at Navan and wants to ensure that the service continues in the most effective and safe manner for patients having regard to the implications of the reports by HIQA on Ennis and Mallow.