Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for taking the issue. I wish to raise the plans for the future of Portlaoise hospital, particularly with regard to the intensive care unit and the accident and emergency unit, the plans to proceed with the model 2 proposal, if any, and the implications for the maternity unit at the hospital. I am glad the Minister for Health is here and is taking time to deal with the matter. I note the HSE statement of 22 September states:

The HSE continues to work towards the full implementation of the HIQA report into Ennis Hospital and further recommendations arising from HIQA's Mallow report. Both reports will ultimately give rise to changes in the role of smaller hospitals, which include Portlaoise Regional Hospital and...Loughlinstown hospital.

In his statement the following day, 23 September, the Minister said:

In July of this year I attended the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children and made clear that Portlaoise is a Model Three hospital, and will remain a Model Three hospital. I stated to the committee that this is Government policy and will not change. I confirm that this remains the position.

We have two different positions, and that is why I am raising the issue. There is huge concern in the community, across County Laois and in south Kildare - the Acting Chairman will be aware of that - because many people from that area use the hospital. There is also huge concern in parts of Offaly. Staff, patients and users of the hospital are concerned.

When I and other Deputies for the constituency met the Minister in the summer, he outlined the same position. I have to report to him that, in the second part of the meeting with the officials, they were strong in pushing the model 2 position regarding Portlaoise. It was talked about at length. For my part, I believe Portlaoise must retain the vital services - the accident and emergency unit, the paediatric units, both of which are new, modern and well functioning, the intensive care unit and the maternity unit, which is busy and has a huge catchment area. Portlaoise is the second busiest hospital outside the Dublin region, with a huge throughput of patients, and it is also a very efficient hospital. The report shows that the cost per attendance is €149 whereas the next lowest figure is €195 and the figures for other hospitals are much higher.

I ask the Minister specifically to address maternity services. The hospital needs a new maternity unit. I recall a meeting with local councillors and Mr. John Bulfin in 2008, at which he stated that €8 million was being ring-fenced to provide a new maternity unit. There has been talk that Portlaoise will be reconfigured with the Coombe, Loughlinstown and Naas. Is there a plan in some people's heads in the HSE to transfer maternity services to the Coombe? I hope not. Perhaps the Minister will confirm that for me. I ask him to address the points I have raised.

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