Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In view of the current budgetary situation the efficiency of services is being reviewed by the Health Service Executive. It has emphasised that budgetary compliance must be maintained alongside the delivery of service levels that are set out in the national service plan. Activity and expenditure at the hospital are ahead of levels approved in the 2011 national service plan. A comprehensive review of services has been undertaken by the HSE. As a consequence the following measures are to be taken - a reduction in the use of agency staff and overtime hours; temporary closure of the surgical day ward for two weeks from 24 October 2011 which will reopen on 7 November 2011 with a reduction from 24 to eight places; a further temporary closure of three weeks is planned for 19 December; and the phased closure of 12 inpatient surgical beds between now and the end of the year.

The Minister has confirmed it is not the intention to close the hospital and 24 hour accident and emergency services will continue to be provided there.

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