Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

I thank Deputy Sherlock for raising this issue which I will deal with on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services falls within the remit of the Health Service Executive. This includes responsibility for the provision of accident and emergency services at Mallow General Hospital.

The designation of accident and emergency units in the southern hospitals group is guided by the Comhairle na nOspidéal Report of the Committee on Accident and Emergency Services, published in February 2002. This report recommended that a regional emergency service be established in the then Southern Health Board area, with Cork University Hospital as the regional emergency department. The report also recommended that Mallow General Hospital come under the remit of the Cork University Hospital emergency service. This has been the strategic direction adopted to date.

The consultants in emergency medicine at Cork University Hospital have developed standard protocols and procedures for the delivery of emergency services in this area. Mallow General Hospital is assigned two sessions from a consultant in emergency medicine based at Cork University Hospital. The staffing arrangements at the accident and emergency department in Mallow General Hospital are similar to those in corresponding departments in similar sized hospitals throughout the State.

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