Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 488: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the status of the Health Service Executive plan to amalgamate the surgery departments of Roscommon County Hospital and Portiuncula Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30204/08]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 529: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the steps being taken to implement the decision of 26 July 2008 on the reconfiguration of services at Roscommon County Hospital and Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30521/08]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 530: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the timetable for the implementation of the plan, announced during the summer, for the retention of a 24 hour surgery at Roscommon County Hospital; if this plan is dependent on funding being made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30522/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 488, 529 and 530 together.

The Government is committed not only to ensuring the delivery of the best quality health services possible but to doing so in an effective and efficient way. Ensuring patient safety is of paramount importance, so that people can have confidence in the services and that the best possible patient outcomes can be achieved. It is essential that we prioritise patient safety and quality and that we organise and manage services accordingly. The priority is to provide safe services as close as possible to where people live.

In the past, Roscommon County Hospital and Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe have operated independently, with two consultant general surgeons in each hospital. The difficulties faced by Roscommon and Portiuncula in maintaining surgical services independently, and the need for closer co-operation between them, were highlighted by the former Comhairle na nOspidéal in March 2006. Advances in clinical care and ever-increasing levels of specialisation mean that the present model of care faces important practical difficulties, which must be addressed.

In the light of these factors, the best way of retaining and developing services at Roscommon and Portiuncula hospitals is for these hospitals to work closely together. The Health Service Executive has indicated that it is proceeding with the proposal for a Joint Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia at Roscommon County Hospital and Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to provide the detailed information sought directly to the Deputy.