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Hospital Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2012

Thursday, 8 March 2012

Ceisteanna (192, 193)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

193 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health, further to Parliamentary Question No. 211 of 23 February 2012, regarding newborn screening, if he will publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13366/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Given the complexities of this issue and taking into consideration the very genuine sensitivities of those concerned, I am anxious for the findings of the Review Group to be published. I will arrange for my Department to liaise with the Health Service Executive to have this done as a matter of priority.

Question No. 194 answered with Question No. 175.

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

195 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the rolling operating room closures at Temple Street Children’s Hospital, Dublin, as reported by RTE on 1 March; and the effect they will have on the treatment of children for non-emergency but serious health issues. [13369/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

This is a very challenging year given the extreme financial pressures we face as a country. However, all services must live within their allocated budget. The HSE has taken steps to provide as high a level of protection as possible for the funding of the children's hospitals. The budget adjustment to Children's University Hospital, Temple Street was significantly less than the average in the HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster Service Plan 2012. HSE management are in discussions with CUH Temple Street towards agreeing a cost containment plan and will meet with CUH Temple Street next week to further discuss the plan.

The HSE Service Plan for 2012 has set a target for children's hospitals which requires that no child should be waiting for treatment for more than 20 weeks by the end 2012. The hospital is actively engaged with the HSE, the SDU and the NTPF to ensure that this target is met. The Paediatric Hospitals work together as a unified network under the leadership of the Clinical Director to ensure optimisation of resources and facilities. The Paediatric Hospitals remain cognisant at all times of the challenges facing their young patients and of the need to support families. The HSE will continue to work with the children's hospitals to ensure that all patients receive appropriate care and that all emergencies are dealt with immediately. The HSE will also continue to monitor activity to ensure the optimum use of theatre resources and facilities.

I have emphasised the need to ensure that the impact of any changes to patients is minimised and that all changes are fully communicated. All measures will be reviewed regularly to ensure the least impact on patients and service users. Patient Safety remains my first priority.

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