Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

The HSE is working to ensure that the changes planned are introduced in a structured manner. This requires that specific measures are put in place and bedded down prior to, or in parallel with, the planned transfer of acute care to Cavan General Hospital. In particular, it is necessary to establish a medical assessment unit at Cavan to help manage an anticipated increase in activity arising from the transfer of acute care services. Enhancements in pre-hospital care in the Cavan-Monaghan area are also required, including the development of an enhanced ambulance and pre-hospital thrombolysis service. Beyond that it will be important to ensure that existing capacity is used more efficiently and this has been highlighted in the national bed utilisation capacity report prepared for the HSE.

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