Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 293: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she plans to implement the Hanly report; if she plans to withdraw it; the reason for the decision she will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29044/05]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 294: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if all hospitals which were to lose their accident and emergency services under the Hanly report will still be subject to downgrading if her Department does not implement the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29045/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 294 together.

The report of the national task force on medical staffing, the Hanly report, made a series of important recommendations regarding changes needed in NCHD work patterns to meet the requirements of the European working time directive and the development of hospital services. Responsibility for building on the recommendations of the report regarding the organisation of hospital services has been transferred from the Department to the national hospitals office, NHO. The NHO's key priority is to ensure that patients, wherever they live, have equitable and rapid access to high quality hospital care.

The implementation of the recommendations in the task force report will be advanced over the coming years. The Department and the NHO will continue the planned investment in new hospital facilities, new consultant posts in a team based system and the organisation of services around hospital networks.