Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40, 101 and 212 together.

The Government is committed to ensuring the delivery of the best quality health services for the people of County Roscommon in a safe and cost effective way. Ensuring patient safety is paramount so that people can have confidence in the services and that the best possible patient outcomes can be achieved. It is essential that we prioritise patient safety and quality and that we organise and manage services accordingly. The priority is to provide safe services as close as possible to where people live.

In the past, Roscommon County Hospital and Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, have operated independently, with two consultant general surgeons in each hospital. The difficulties faced by Roscommon and Portiuncula in maintaining surgical services independently and the need for closer co-operation between them were highlighted by the former Comhairle na nOspidéal in March 2006. Advances in clinical care and ever increasing levels of specialisation mean that the present model of care faces important practical difficulties, which must be addressed.

In light of these factors, the best way of retaining and developing services at Roscommon and Portiuncula hospitals is for them to work closely together and with University Hospital Galway. The Health Service Executive has advised that it is proceeding with the proposal for a joint department of surgery and anaesthesia at Roscommon County Hospital and Portiuncula Hospital. There will be five consultant surgeon posts in all with joint services between the two hospitals. The detailed arrangements for the operation of the joint department will be developed in consultation with the consultants involved once all are in place and following a period of operation.

Funding of these posts is not an issue. One of the two consultant surgeon posts at Roscommon is currently filled by a locum, as the permanent postholder is unavailable. The appointment of a permanent consultant surgeon to this post at Roscommon will be considered by the HSE in the context of the establishment of the joint department of surgery and anaesthesia.

Interviews have been held to appoint a third consultant physician at Roscommon County Hospital with a special interest in respiratory medicine, with sessional commitments at Portiuncula Hospital and at University Hospital Galway. A replacement post of consultant physician with a special interest in endocrinology at Roscommon County Hospital, with sessional commitments to Portiuncula Hospital and University Hospital Galway, has also been advertised. I understand that interviews for the post of clinical director at the two hospitals were held last month and that a candidate has been appointed.

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