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

My understanding of the question is the need - it is an important point - for best protocols and practice in terms of dealing with trauma and emergency care. Getting a patient to the right place as quickly as possible is essential to better outcomes. It is important that a child or an adult would not be unnecessarily diverted to another hospital where that optimal care would not be available.

I too affirm and salute the work of Keith Synnott and the entire strategy which the Minister and the Government have endorsed around the national trauma centres, as well as the creation of such centres whereby people who need to be in them as quickly as possible get there. That is something I passionately believe in myself. I thank the Deputy for raising it in such a constructive manner.

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