Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the commitments she or personnel on her behalf gave to a person (details supplied) regarding the future of Monaghan General Hospital; if she or her personnel advised that medical services would be retained on a 24 hours 7 days per week basis at Monaghan General Hospital along with surgical services plus the opening of the new treatment room to take the pressure off Cavan General Hospital; if the replacement and additional staff will be appointed to allow this to be delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30510/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I have not made any commitments to the person concerned regarding Monaghan Hospital and I am not aware of any such commitments given on my behalf.

The HSE has recently established a Steering Group and a North East Project Group to oversee a programme designed to improve safety and standards across the acute hospital network in the North East Region. The decision was taken having regard to the issues raised in the report prepared for the HSE by Teamwork Management Services — "Improving Safety and Achieving Better Standards — An Action Plan for Health Services in the North East" and taking account of the findings of the recent report into the death of Mr Patrick J Walsh.

Led by the HSE's National Hospitals Office, the Steering Group has representation from key stakeholders such as clinicians and primary care providers. The Project Group is being led by a Consultant Surgeon from outside the Region.

The HSE has given me an assurance that, in progressing the implementation of these reports, there will be no discontinuation of existing services until suitable alternative arrangements have been put in place.

The HSE has advised that it is working in conjunction with staff and staff representatives towards the opening of the new treatment room in Monaghan General Hospital. It is expected that the Unit will open shortly.