Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael)

I welcome the debate and I thank Deputy O'Donovan for raising the issue. The closure of two theatres and one ward will impact seriously on the orthopaedic health service, further delay necessary elective surgery and will seriously impact on the quality of the service to patients. I understand consultations are taking place between hospital consultants and the management of the HSE. I understand the consultants have put forward proposals to introduce savings that will not include the closure of the theatres. It is important that the management are encouraged in every possible way to enter the discussions in a positive fashion and that the proposals, which I believe can overcome the proposed closures, should be taken into account. Once the people at the coalface are involved, the solutions often impact less on the patients. Hopefully, this will be successful.

Croom is a highly efficient hospital and enjoys a high degree of admiration for its quality of care in the mid-west. Its staff have a high level of commitment to service and care for the patients treated there. My immediate family has had experience of that treatment and care in Croom hospital. People have the highest regard for the services there. Hopefully, the Minister will encourage in every way the discussions taking place at the moment such that they will be successful. I support Deputy O'Donovan's call for any intervention by the Minister to ensure that the closure does not take place. That much is necessary for the region.

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