Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses very much for being here this morning and their work on this project to date. I have two concerns. One is the transition period leading into when the hospital is built. Is there going to be a period of time when staff coming from a number of different locations will transfer to work for a period of time with colleagues from another facility? Is that planned for so that people can become aware of practices and procedures in one place? The witness mentioned bringing many different work practices together. There has to be a lead into that. I know it is some time away yet but it is something that needs to be looked into.

The other issue I have relates to management, which I raised here last week. I referred to one hospital facility where there were ten managers in 18 years. We are talking about independence. In regard to the management structure, what level of independence is it envisaged that the board would have? We already have difficulties in the recruitment of medical consultants. However, we also have a difficulty in getting management in and staying in place. What level of independence will the board have? Will it be able to agree salary scales above the HSE guidelines? This going to be a huge project to manage and someone with very good managerial skills will be needed. I am not saying such people are not already in place. However, it is fine to get people but the issue then is to hold on to them. What level of independence will the board have in regard to negotiating pay and conditions in order to get the best person in to do the job? It is something that needs to be looked at now. Will the board have to stay within all the HSE guidelines? Will there be discretion in regard to what agreement the board can arrive at?