I want to ensure that as many services as possible can be provided safely and appropriately in smaller, local hospitals. On this basis, the organisation of hospital services nationally, regionally and locally will be informed by the ongoing development of the HSE Clinical Programmes. The Framework for the future development of smaller hospitals has been drafted by a joint HSE/Departmental group. Consultation with all stakeholders, including patients and public representatives, will be an integral part of the process of implementing the framework for smaller hospitals. This framework will demonstrate clearly that the future of smaller hospitals is secure. It will set out what services can and should be delivered safely by these hospitals in the interest of better outcomes for patients.
I am currently examining the Framework in the context of the overall reorganisation of the health services. That includes the development of hospital groups. The changes that will and must take place will have a considerable impact on how our hospital services are aligned. As Minister for Health I am eager to initiate improvements to our hospital system, however due consideration must be given to the Framework to ensure that when implemented it will optimise the significant resources smaller hospitals have to offer. It is my intention to publish the Framework when this process has been completed.
In relation to the Deputy's question on Portlaoise Hospital, the current configuration of the hospital is unlike the configuration that applies to smaller hospitals. For example the Portlaoise Hospital provides paediatric services. Portlaoise provides orthopaedic services. Smaller Hospitals are categorised as Level Two hospitals. Portlaoise is not in the same category as a level two hospital.
It is important to note too that this Government is moving to establish hospitals into groups. This process involves a detailed analysis of the inter-dependencies between hospitals in the various regions. I have recently appointed Professor John Higgins to chair a process tasked with providing clear recommendations on the establishment of groups nationwide. This process will be of major importance into the future in successfully, efficiently and safely providing services to our citizens through the wide range of hospitals — large and small — that we are fortunate to have. That process will also allow for the development of a greater balance between larger and smaller hospitals and as I have said on many occasions — that rebalancing will involve the movement of services in both directions.
Certain services will move from smaller hospitals to larger hospitals, while other services that can be more effectively provided in smaller hospitals will be moved out of the larger hospitals. This phenomenon can already been seen in the Galway Roscommon Group of Hospitals where, since the opening of the Urgent Care Centre in Roscommon Hospital, many other services have been freshly located in the hospital. A recent example has been the transfer of Sleep Apnoea services from GUH to Roscommon.
