Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1508. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will address concerns in relation to a matter (details supplied); if he will meet a person and clarify their plan regarding the downgrading of Cavan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33225/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1601. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if there will be no reduction in services at a health facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33608/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1602. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if a service will continue to be delivered at a health facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33609/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1508, 1601 and 1602 together.
Major trauma involves serious and often multiple injuries which have the potential to cause prolonged disability or death. The Trauma Steering Group, established in 2015 and chaired by Professor Eilis McGovern, was tasked with examining the international evidence base with regard to the most efficient and effective organisation of trauma services, in order to reduce preventable death and disability, and to improve patient outcomes. Its report, A Trauma System for Ireland, was published in February this year following Government approval. It aims to reduce the incidence and the burden of trauma and to significantly improve the survival rate of major trauma patients, by ensuring that every patient receives the best possible standard of care in the most appropriate facility.
As recommended in the report, the HSE has established a Trauma Review Implementation Group (TRIG) to commence immediate actions including the implementation of by-pass protocols for orthopaedic and major trauma, recruitment of a National Clinical Lead and establishment of the National Office for Trauma Services, and selection of a Major Trauma Centre for Dublin. The group met for the first time on 12 April to begin consideration of these actions.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible on the particular matter raised.
