Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister, Deputy Harris, I thank Deputy Fleming for raising this Topical Issue. I hope the reply that has been provided to me reflects the points that have been made by the Deputy, some of which I have noted on paper. I will read the reply before coming back to the Deputy on any further points he may have. I assure the Deputy that, as the Minister for Health has stated previously, the most important issue in the consideration of services at the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise is the need for patient safety and outcomes to come first. The Minister is committed to securing the further development of the role of Portlaoise hospital, a constituent hospital within the Dublin Midlands hospital group. Since 2014, there has been a focus on supporting the hospital to develop and enhance management capability, implementing changes required to improve clinical service and incorporating the hospital into the governance structures within the Dublin Midlands hospital group. Significant work has been undertaken to strengthen the stability of services at the hospital. Funding has increased by 35% relative to the 2012 budget. Staffing levels have increased by 29% from the 2014 base. Governance and management arrangements in Portlaoise hospital have been strengthened. Additional clinical staff have been appointed. Staff training, hospital culture and communications have improved.

The Dublin Midlands hospital group has been working for some time on a draft plan for a new model of clinical service delivery at Portlaoise hospital which takes account of the need to develop services at the hospital in the context of the development of a model of service provision for the entire hospital group. The draft plan has been submitted to the Department of Health. I emphasise that patient and public requirements are paramount and have underpinned the Department's consideration of the draft plan. The HSE group involved in developing the draft plan for Portlaoise included eight national clinical programmes, the National Ambulance Service and the HSE's national acute hospitals division. HSE consultations took place with the clinical staff and management in Portlaoise hospital, general practitioners, the Irish Prison Service, Tallaght Hospital's surgeons and emergency department services and the Master of the Coombe Hospital. As agreed at a meeting with Members of the Oireachtas from County Laois, no decisions have been taken on the draft action plan. The Minister, Deputy Harris, is giving consideration to a process for wider consultation. I know Deputy Fleming will have other questions to ask. I will reply to some of them when I come in again.

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