Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

When the Senators are on tour, they might come to Roscommon also. The last High King of Ireland is buried in the abbey there so it might be nice to come along to pay tribute.

I thank Senator Crown for his comments on Roscommon County Hospital. The Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, should examine the Senator's statement. He said quite clearly that there is some confusion over the mortality rates at the hospital, reflecting in particular on the excellent work of Dr. Patrick McHugh, who served in the hospital as county physician from 1977 until this year.

The figures are quite dramatic: 12% in 2008; 4% in 2009; and 8% in 2010. The average is approximately 8%. The mortality rate reflects the general experience of patients throughout the country. It is not very fair to judge the work in any hospital on the basis of the number or condition of patients. Many patients are treated initially in Roscommon and then sent to Galway, where they are secured. The mortality rate at a hospital such as that in Galway does not reflect the reality of the work in Roscommon. The statistics are very unfair, therefore.