Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2017
221. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will announce a date for the publication of the national policy for the development of a trauma network for Ireland in view of the fact that a public consultation took place in autumn 2015 and that according to his Department's website, the national steering group was scheduled to publish its report in mid-2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7564/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of a policy on a trauma system for Ireland is a joint initiative from the Department of Health and the HSE. The primary aim of developing this policy is to improve patient outcomes and to lead to a reduction in preventable death and disability by ensuring that the trauma patient is delivered to the care facility that has the right resources to match his/her often multiple and critical needs in the shortest time possible.
The trauma care pathway encompasses pre-hospital care, Emergency Department resuscitation and emergency surgical intervention, reconstruction of injuries and rehabilitation. A Steering Group on a Trauma System for Ireland was established by the Minister (Chaired by Prof Eilis McGovern) in 2015. Five Working Groups were also established to make recommendations to the Steering Group in relation to each of the components of the trauma care pathway and in relation to the configuration of a trauma system for Ireland.
Given its scale, the development of the policy is still work in progress but it is expected the Steering Group's report will be completed as soon as possible in 2017.
