Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, we received a public update from Saolta on developments within our hospitals. Roscommon University Hospital is really well known and renowned in our area for plastic and reconstructive surgery. At the moment, it is doing photo triage, whereby patient referrals can be made using photos of areas of concern, particularly in relation to skin cancer, which is a huge concern in the west of Ireland. We have also seen a 17% increase in attendance at the minor injuries unit, which is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. It is absolutely crucial that we are seeing high volumes of day patients in particular. There are so many surgeries happening in Roscommon University Hospital in the vascular and urology services that are provided there. There challenges around spacing. People who go to Roscommon know that it can be a challenge to find parking. Of course, Hyde Park, down the road, is used to help out with parking. We see high volumes there. On some of the other developments in the hospital, they are looking for space for a new CT scanner. At the moment, they are using a mobile scanner that is located in the car park. They are also looking at the development of a 20-bed rehab unit. That rehab unit was planned a number of years ago, linked with the national rehab unit in Dún Laoghaire.Marie Doorly, the general manager, has said that a spacing plan is required from HSE estates. I have requested this. We also called for it at yesterday's meeting. It is urgently required because no development can happen in the hospital grounds, whether it is improving the position relating to day surgery cases, finding space for the 20-bed rehabilitation unit that is planned and is included in the HSE capital plan or looking at improving parking access for people going to the hospital. It cannot happen unless we have a spacing plan. This is what we have requested from HSE estates.