Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 235: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the development of services at Portiuncula Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19667/08]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the funds ring fenced by the Health Service Executive for the transfer of surgical services from Roscommon County Hospital; the timetable for its implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19676/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 236 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that it has conducted a review of services at Roscommon County Hospital and at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. The review was initiated in response to concerns raised by Comhairle na nOspidéal about the current service configuration for surgery and anaesthetics, at Roscommon and Portiuncula, the issues faced by the two small hospitals in maintaining surgical services independently, and the need for closer co-operation between them to ensure services are sustainable in future. The review will help to inform decisions about the most appropriate configuration of services at these hospitals in the future. My Department has been informed by the HSE that the Executive is at present considering the outcome of this review.