Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for accepting this important matter.

St. Patrick's Hospital in Cashel is one of the finest facilities in the country. I have no doubt in saying that given the manner in which it is run, its attention to patients and the quality of care delivered. Recently it has been brought to the attention of people in the locality that there were changes in services at the hospital. The reason I raise the issue is to get an assurance from the Minister of State on the future of the hospital and that it will stay in the town. It is part of the infrastructure and has been in place for many years. Many doctors, the late Dr. Willie Ryan and the present Dr. Willie Ryan, among others, were very committed, as are the staff and management, to developing and running the hospital.

The hospital comprises St. Anthony's, St. Clare's and St. Michael's unit, all of which care for the elderly, people who have given long service to the community. Given the proposed changes taking place the staff and the people of Tipperary are concerned that the future of St. Patrick's Hospital was at stake. I seek that confirmation from the Minister of State. I want an assurance on the future of the jobs at the hospital, those who work there, and all the services they have provided over many years and the back-up the hospital has provided to South Tipperary General Hospital and Our Lady's Hospital in Cashel over many years.

There is an historic High Court ruling about south Tipperary hospital services, of which St. Patrick's Hospital is a part. A strong commitment was given at the time by the then Minister for Health, Deputy Michael Noonan, that the future of St. Patrick's Hospital would be assured. I want that commitment reiterated and the people of Tipperary to be given an assurance on the future of St. Patrick's Hospital.

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