Hospital Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 May 2012

Wednesday, 2 May 2012

Ceisteanna (157)

Heather Humphreys

Ceist:

163 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent decision by the Health Service Executive to have catering services for Monaghan Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital, Castleblayney, provided from one site atSt. Davnet’s in Monaghan which is eighteen miles away from Castleblayney; if he will outline the logic behind this decision in view of the high cost of fuel at present; the projected cost savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22278/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I understand from the HSE that following a review, and also taking into account the significant number of catering staff who have left the HSE services in Cavan/Monaghan, the HSE has taken the decision to merge a number of catering departments. It is planned that catering services for Monaghan Hospital, St. Mary's Castleblayney and Associated Day Care/Outreach Catering Services will be provided from one site at St. Davnet's Hospital. I am informed that the St Davnet's site has been selected due to its capacity to accommodate the merged catering services and its potential for future development. A working group is in place to oversee and implement this project.