Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I spoke to the HSE earlier and my understanding is that the UPMC Whitfield facility is being used by the hospital. I got that assurance an hour before I came into the Chamber. I will double-check on that, to make sure that facility is being used.

The Deputy and I both know one has to be careful of full independent reviews in terms of their analysis and what they might bring to bear. In health people have their ways of looking at issues. We saw this in terms of cardiac services. I do not mean that in any facetious way. When the reconfiguration was originally announced by Professor John Higgins and his team a full 24-7 cardiac service was provided for. That was overturned by a second independent review commissioned by the then Minister. I had discussions with Professor Higgins after that. I hope I do not misinterpret him but he was somewhat put out that the commitments he had made as part of the review were not fulfilled by a subsequent review. I take the overall point. I would much prefer to see what the immediate demands and objectives of the hospital are and make sure we meet them in terms of funding. I have no objection to an independent funding review of model 4 hospitals.

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