Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Surgical activity was of a low volume at both these hospitals. In the case of Roscommon County Hospital, I understand there were as few as two to four procedures per week. The only way to ensure a safe environment for treatment is to maintain the skill base of surgeons through higher volume activity. As has happened in County Louth, for example, Roscommon County Hospital and Portiuncula Hospital will become effectively a single surgery department operating on two sites. Anybody who has concerns in this regard should go and see what is happening in Louth. I have seen the remarkable developments for patients, doctors, nurses and other staff.

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