Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Halligan should note the Minister expects to bring his recommendations to the Cabinet the week after next, that is, I expect it to come before the Cabinet in two weeks' time.

In regard to Waterford, which obviously is a strategic location and which, as the Deputy noted, serves half a million people in the south east, there is a full commitment to the retention of Waterford as one of the eight existing national cancer services with all the associated services in the hospital. This already has been confirmed in the national cancer care programme, NCCP. Consequently, Waterford Regional Hospital will continue to be a NCCP centre. It will retain the same population referral base for cancer patients it currently has. Joint consultant appointments across the groups, such as general surgery, which is shared with Wexford, will continue to support the specialist cancer services it provides. Trauma services will continue to remain at Waterford Regional Hospital and the hospital will retain its current suite of services, including invasive cardiology, as well as trauma and oncology services.

This is all part of a programme of change being directed by the Minister for Health to establish hospital groups and then hospital trusts, so a far more efficient service will be provided for people throughout all regions of the country. Waterford is an important location and will continue to be one of the eight centres. It will continue to retain its current suite of services, including invasive cardiology, trauma and oncology services, and the same patient referral basis it currently has.

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