I also want to implement the changes proposed by the task force in the east coast and mid-western regions. To do this there will be a project group in both areas which will include management and health professionals from the hospitals involved. These groups will engage in a detailed planning exercise, identifying how best to reconfigure services and staffing at local level. With regard to future organisation of acute hospital services, I have asked David Hanly to chair a small group to prepare a national plan in line with the principles set out by the task force. His group will liaise closely with my Department and, on its establishment, with the national hospitals office. The project group which addressed medical education and training issues is now in the process of preparing its final report.