Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 June 2022
187. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his views on plans for UL Hospital Group to partner with a company (details supplied) in developing an elective centre in Limerick; if he supports this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34788/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs any discussions or arrangements that University of Limerick Hospital Group may be having with external organisations are operational matters for the Group, I am referring the Deputy's question to the Health Service Executive for direct reply, as soon as possible.
In relation to the development of elective services, in December 2021 the Government agreed, subject to the necessary approvals and requirements under the Public Spending Code being met, a new National Elective Ambulatory Care Strategy. This new strategy aims to change the way in which day case, scheduled procedures, surgeries, scans and outpatient services can be better arranged to ensure greater capacity in the future and help to address waiting lists. The development of additional capacity will be provided through dedicated, standalone Elective Hospitals in Cork, Galway and Dublin. The Government decision is very clear on this. No other locations are under active consideration. It is important to note that the locations chosen will allow for new facilities of a size and scale to implement a national elective care programme that will tackle waiting lists on a national basis. This means that the new facilities will be designed to maximise their capacity and in doing so will operate to cover as a wide catchment area as possible, extending beyond existing and future health areas including the mid-west.
