Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the timetable for the delivery of her commitment announced in July 2008 on the retention of services at Roscommon County Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45398/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Government is committed to ensuring the delivery of the best quality health services possible 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 advised 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 have the detailed information sought provided directly to the Deputy.