Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as an cheist. I assure the Deputy that the smaller, more rural hospitals will have an increasing role to play in the future delivery of healthcare under the Sláintecare plan as it is rolled out and implemented over the coming years and that there is no threat to the future of Kerry hospital. We are well aware that recruitment is a challenge in Kerry hospital, as it is in Bantry General Hospital and many other similar hospitals. We are undertaking a number of measures at present to try to address this, but I can assure the Deputy that there is no threat to the future of the hospital. It will play a very central role in the delivery of healthcare to his constituents for many years to come.

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