Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is increased concern among people in my county regarding the lack of an obstetrics clinic at University Hospital Kerry. The lack of a dedicated obstetrics clinic at the hospital has become a significant risk factor. According to the HSE's assessment, it equates to an extreme risk. However, the HSE also states that the risk is managed well. In this day and age, an approach where the risk is managed well is one that is very unsatisfactory. This is not the way in which we should proceed. There is always the possibility that the risk will not be managed well on a particular day and the latter would undoubtedly end in tragedy for someone involved. In addition, those who are scheduled for minor surgeries regularly have their operations cancelled at short notice because of an unexpected obstetrics emergency. There is then a double impact on patients as a result of no clinic being available. We are now at a critical stage in respect of this matter. Business cases have been submitted to the agency from the hospital outlining the need for this clinic but, as yet, no action has been taken. It is not acceptable that we are trying to manage risk at one of our major regional hospitals. By providing an obstetrics clinic at University Hospital Kerry, we would, essentially, be removing the risk that at this point in time is being managed. As already stated, it only takes one minor mistake for a managed risk to turn into tragedy. This is a matter on which we need to hear from the Minister for Health. The Leader may state that it should be raised on the Commencement and I will take him up on that. I am sure, in early course, the Minister for Health will be before the House in any event.