Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It has been widely reported in recent days that the report by Professor Higgins into the number and composition of the new hospital groups and their relationship to the university sector will result in an effective downgrading of Waterford Regional Hospital and the relocation of vital services to already under pressure hospitals in Cork and Dublin. This news has been met with outrage and consternation by the entire community in Waterford and the Minister needs to understand the potential medical and economic implications of this move for the people in the wider south-east region. The clinical director of Waterford Regional Hospital, Rob Landers, has said the removal of vital cancer, neurology and cardiology services from Waterford would have a devastating effect and understandably so. In the context of these reports I must ask the Minister to confirm whether the Higgins report recommends as reported the downgrading of Waterford Regional Hospital and the reconfiguration of services in the region with specialties currently available at Waterford relocated to hospitals outside the south-east region. I hope the Minister will be able to scotch these reports.

Those living and working in the area need clarification. I note a number of Deputies from the constituencies affected in the Chamber. Does the Minister agree the notion of splitting up an existing network, which I must acknowledge is one of the best performing in the State, makes little sense. Will the Minister outline how he intends to proceed with Professor Higgins's report? When is it due to be presented to the Government? Will the Minister facilitate a period of consultation to allow the stakeholders see the recommendations and respond appropriately?

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