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Hospital Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2019

Wednesday, 17 April 2019

Ceisteanna (171)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

171. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of a unit (details supplied); the details of the review of same; when the review will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17936/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Monaghan Hospital and Cavan General Hospital operate as a single entity, with an integrated managerial and clinical governance system, care pathways and support functions. The Emergency Department is located at Cavan General Hospital, while the facilities at Monaghan Hospital are focused on elective care and the streaming of appropriate patients to the Minor Injuries Unit located on site.

The Smaller Hospitals Framework defined the role of smaller hospitals and outlined the need for smaller hospitals and larger hospitals to operate within Hospital Groups.  The Framework identified the activities that can be performed in smaller Model 2 hospitals, like Monaghan Hospital, in a safe and sustainable manner. In developing our smaller hospitals, the first and over-riding concern is the safety of patients.

Significant progress has been made in the establishment and development of Hospital Groups over the last few years. Our hospitals are now working together and supporting each other in Groups.  This new way of working provides a stronger role for smaller hospitals, like Monaghan Hospital, in delivering a higher volume of less complex care in many cases closer to patients’ homes. It also ensures that patients who require true emergency or complex planned care are managed safely in a larger hospital environment.

With regards to the Minor Injuries Unit, as outlined in the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Department of Health is committed to undertaking a review of Medical Assessment Units, Minor Injuries Units and similar units with a view to extending their opening hours. Minor Injuries Clinics and similar units provide valuable services to local communities and alleviate the pressures on Emergency Departments. The Minor Injury Unit in Monaghan Hospital is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and can treat both adults and children over 5 years with non-life-threatening or limb-threatening injuries.

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