Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has carried out a study into the arrangements between general practitioners and hospitals in areas such as Mallow, Nenagh and Kilkenny where co-operation on the intake and discharge of patients between professionals in the community and the hospital appears to be very effective in terms of cost and patient care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24021/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As part of its management of A & E services the HSE has been working to identify areas of best practice within networks, and to replicate these elsewhere in order to improve the delivery of A & E services and acute hospital services generally for the benefit of patients. One of the best examples of this involves the development of Acute Medical Assessment Units in acute hospitals where patients who may not require admission, but do need investigation and treatment, can be referred directly to the Unit by general practitioners.

As the Deputy's question, concerning arrangements between general practitioners and hospitals, relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.