Dr. Colm Henry:

First, in regard to eyes, it is not just a question of additional theatre capacity because it is a matter of how we use existing theatres. Treatment for macular degeneration sometimes constitutes an inappropriate use of a theatre. A treatment room could equally effectively and safely provide the same treatment. The consultant ophthalmologist community in Cork has raised this. There have been successful endeavours in Nenagh and the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital whereby we commissioned additional work in theatres through the NTPF, addressing something that lends itself readily to such initiatives, namely, day-case cataract work.

With regard to scheduled care, as the Minister said, the most important point is to get the design right and consider the scope of what a scheduled care hospital would look like. Let me give two examples. In the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Scotland, there is a large scheduled care hospital that runs a range of services, right up to services that require intensive care, overnight stays and quite intensive, complicated surgery. Another example is Omagh hospital in the North. It is a scheduled care hospital that does not have inpatient beds at all. There are day hospital beds. The design is crucial because it has to address waiting list needs as they stand and as they are projected, and our population needs. There has to be a model of care that is sustainable, particularly in view of the recruitment and manpower required. The work the Minister said is ongoing will come to a conclusion soon. Once the scope of scheduled care centres is decided, it will inform the design, location and so on the schedule care hospitals.