Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 90: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the implications of her statement for the north east in which one major hospital will be assigned to that area; if this will be a template for other areas of the State; the way in which this could be applied to areas such as the Health Service Executive western area; if such a plan will apply to the HSE western area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24220/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I presume the Deputy is referring to a statement I issued following the release by the Health Service Executive of the findings of a consultancy report aimed at improving safety and achieving better standards in acute hospitals in the former North Eastern Health Board area. Patient safety and quality care is the key determinant of Government health policy. International best practice has demonstrated that some procedures require high volumes of cases and specialisation by consultants in order to achieve the best outcomes for patients. These can only be provided at large regional centres, networked to other hospitals in the region. Responsive and appropriate care delivery is in the best interests of all patients.