Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this matter, as well as thanking the Minister for Health for coming in to reply. According to The Connaught Telegraph, a report commissioned by the HSE conducted by the Dublin-based firm, Health Partnership, is examining maternity services in the west-northwest hospitals group. The initial first draft of the report is recommending closure of the units at Castlebar, Sligo and Roscommon, and the centralisation of maternity services into University Hospital Galway and Letterkenny General Hospital. As the Minister can imagine, that has caused considerable distress so the matter needs to be clarified urgently.

The HSE has confirmed that the review is under way but has still not made any report. The HSE subsequently said that there was a preliminary report. The HSE has issued a number of different press statements, so maybe that can be clarified. There was a preliminary report but this recommendation was not included in it.

I am asking the Minister to clarify a number of issues. In 2012, the last year for which I have full figures, Mayo General Hospital had 1,788 births. It is a busy maternity unit. The Minister knows the geography of Mayo well and his roots are there. A round trip to Galway from Belmullet or Erris is over 300 miles. Some weeks ago, somebody travelling from Achill experienced a difficulty and had to go to their local GP who, luckily enough, had the skills to deliver a child in Mulranny. The geographic difficulties are significant in the area and there is a need for access to maternity services. Mayo General Hospital provides a quality service in its busy maternity unit. The staff in the unit are renowned for their excellent work. They are deeply caring and there is a huge level of community trust in their abilities, as there is in the other hospitals.

How many reports are there and will the Minister publish the preliminary report? What are the terms of reference for the overall examination and will the Minister publish them? What level of public consultation will there be with GPs and local representatives? What is the date for this report to be delivered?

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