Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply.

He rightly states that he officially opened the relocated medical assessment unit some weeks ago and the unit in its original location has been extremely successful. Similarly, the paediatric assessment unit eases the pressures on the ED. Between 2000 and 2011, Cavan General Hospital received major capital investment, which has resulted in new facilities and services. Some of the additional facilities provided during that period include a special care baby unit, additional bed capacity - more than 21 beds, I think - MRI units, a CT scanner, other diagnostic facilities, major expansion of the renal dialysis unit, an upgrade to a very high standard of the intensive care unit, the provision of oncology services linking with the Mater hospital which is very welcome, improved psychiatric services and resources for inpatients, and investment in other facilities. The hospital cares for substantially more patients with differing medical needs. Thankfully, today, patients can be treated in Cavan who in the past had to access those services in Dublin or outside our region. We sincerely appreciate those developments in oncology and nephrology, which have been spectacularly successful.

In general, where a hospital’s overall capacity expands, that indirectly places more demands on the ED. In layman’s terms, the hospital is busier and the need for additional new build facilities is an endorsement of the hospital’s work. I am realistic enough to know these facilities will not be developed overnight but we want them in the pipeline so that they will be put in place in a few years’ time.

I take this opportunity to thank the staff who work in EDs. I have had very little reason to attend an ED for care but the staff work under very difficult circumstances and I appreciate their commitment and diligence.

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