Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1589. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if any small hospitals will be closed either as part of reconfiguration or due to budgetary measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37129/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe organisation of hospital services locally, regionally and nationally will be informed by the ongoing development of the HSE Clinical Programmes, the work of the Strategic Board on the formation of Hospital Groups and the publication of the Small Hospitals Framework, in order to improve patient access, quality clinical outcomes and the provision of patient care in a setting which is most appropriate to patient needs. In this context, I want to ensure that as many services as possible can be provided safely and appropriately in smaller, local hospitals. The Small Hospitals 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.
As Minister for Health I am eager to initiate improvements to our hospital system. I am currently examining the Framework in the context of the overall reorganisation of the health services. Such consideration will ensure that when implemented, it will optimise the significant resources that smaller hospitals have to offer. It is my intention to publish the Framework when this process has been completed. Consideration of the establishment of Hospital Groups is also progressing. The changes that will and must take place will have a considerable impact on how our hospital services are aligned, including greater opportunities for inter-site co-operation.
