Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for her reply. The initial announcement by the HSE indicated the transfer of inpatient surgical services from Roscommon County Hospital to the overcrowded Portiuncula Hospital, 40 minutes to an hour away, which is struggling to cope with the increased demand being placed on it from the west midlands, including Athlone. This would mean that patients in west Roscommon, for example, would have to travel for up to one and a half hours to access acute emergency care. Will the Minister clarify whether inpatient surgery will be retained at Roscommon County Hospital not only in the short term but in the medium term?

Will she also clarify whether the two surgeons currently based in Roscommon will remain there rather than being transferred to Portiuncula Hospital? A threat was made by the HSE to the effect that future developments at Roscommon County Hospital would not go ahead if it did not accept the original proposals. Will the Minister clarify the position in this regard?

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