Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)

The motion is ill-timed, unwise and unhelpful to the cause of Clonmel General Hospital. It is unfortunate that it could be interpreted by the HSE as Oireachtas support for any negative proposal that may emerge regarding the status of that hospital. No decision has been taken on any proposal to remove further services from the hospital. The reality is nine reconfiguration options have been prepared and suggested for consideration by the HSE. I am satisfied following discussions with senior HSE executives that the reconfiguration and consultative process will take a minimum of two years to complete. The preferred options of the national steering group will be published and open to extensive consultation in advance of any decisions being made.

The Minister for Health and Children confirmed to me at a meeting this evening that there is no current risk to the core existing combination of services provided at Clonmel general hospital. I have made it clear to her and the Government that if any substantial proposal to downgrade the hospital emerges after the reconfiguration process is complete, I will vigorously oppose it. I have informed the Government that I will vote against any plan which would alter or diminish the range and quality of services provided at the hospital.

With regard to Nenagh General Hospital, I acknowledge and thank the Minister for delivering on the commitments and the promises I received from the Government in respect of my agreement for support. The phased implementation of the investment and development plan will continue in 2011. As part of a designated €5 million fund, a new endoscopy suite was recently completed, two new lifts were installed and commissioned this week and a new hospital sterile services department will be completed next month or early December. In addition, there has been an increase in day surgical beds from six to 14 bays while an eight-bed acute medical unit was opened in 2009 and a pre-operative assessment clinic commenced last November. Extended day surgical and outpatient services, including those relating to vascular, orthopaedics, dental and urology, are functioning successfully. New planned services include a further increase in day surgical beds from 14 to 20 and increases in endoscopy services and day surgery and outpatient services.

I acknowledge the commitment of the Department of Health and Children to the continuation of services in Nenagh General Hospital. My full support will be there for Clonmel hospital if and when it is needed.

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