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

I welcome the Minister identifying both of the sites he has just mentioned. I had not intended to refer specifically to any of the hospital sites for fear of leaving one out. The Minister has identified immediately what might be done in relation to University Hospital Limerick. There are many other examples. There is international evidence of increasingly poor outcomes, including increased mortality, in relation to the closure of accident and emergency departments and their over-centralisation. A recent study in California has demonstrated as much and it is reflected across a whole range of studies conducted globally. We need to recognise that is the case. It is estimated by some of the Minister's colleague practitioners in front-line hospital employment that up to 90% of some of these emergencies, particularly in the older age group, do not require a transfer to larger hospital sites with a range of specialty supports. One could be dealing with pneumonia or a range of other things that could be provided for and dealt with clearly on the smaller hospital sites to which I have referred and which are still open, working and capable of dealing with these issues. It would also be hugely welcomed by the individuals concerned because they are closer to their homes and accessible by their families, with all of the better and speedier outcomes that come as a consequence.

I ask the Minister to look at all of these matters. I speak from experience; it is not something I am reading about. I live in a community that lost the greater number of its services at Monaghan Hospital, a fine institution that is way under-utilised in terms of its potential. I urge strongly the Minister's review of the area.

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