Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I welcome the clarification that this is not about closing accident and emergency departments or reducing services, which is critical. The health service is famous for reports. However, every report that comes out of the health service should not be taken as read or exaggerated in the manner in which this one was, because it causes significant and unacceptable heartache to people.

This sector is focused on getting the best outcomes for patients. In the catchment area of Mullingar Regional Hospital, if a person breaks a leg and is stable, the person is brought to Tullamore Hospital because it is the orthopaedic centre. Patients are not brought to a hospital where they cannot be treated. That is called a bypass protocol, and such protocols have been in place for a long time. If someone has a serious brain injury, it is important the person is brought to the proper centre as quickly as possible to ensure they have the best chance of survival and the best outcome.

I thank the Minister for clarifying this issue. It is very important that all politicians are responsible in terms of their approach to these reports.

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