Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive is downgrading the level of service at Mallow General Hospital; if her attention has been drawn to the large geographical catchment area served by this hospital who will be obliged to travel longer distances to avail of specific hospital based health services; and if she will intervene to ensure the retention of the current level of service at the hospital. [16413/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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It is essential that every health care provider and facility is fully cognisant of patient safety issues and takes account of these in the organisation, management and delivery of services.

In this context the HSE has indicated that it intends to undertake a systems and risk management review of surgical services at Mallow General Hospital. Draft terms of reference are being drawn up and will be discussed with the relevant parties before they are finalised. To ensure that surgical services continue to be delivered safely in the meantime, the hospital management met recently with the Irish Hospital Consultants Association and consultants at Mallow General Hospital and they have agreed arrangements for consultant surgeon cover at Mallow General Hospital, which will apply until 31 May 2008. The parties have also agreed to meet and discuss arrangements for surgical services after this period. The HSE will continue to work closely with all involved to ensure that a high quality service is available to all patients at Mallow General Hospital.