Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the way the Health Service Executive budget shortfall will affect Ennis General Hospital, County Clare; if she will ensure that frontline services are protected at Ennis General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8456/09]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that a number of hospitals including Ennis General Hospital, County Clare, face closure as part of a cost saving proposal by the Health Service Executive; if she will clarify the future of Ennis General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8781/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 202 together.

The HSE has no plans to close Ennis General Hospital or any other acute hospital. The HSE is facing significant financial pressures arising to a large degree from the broader economic situation, in particular such factors as the increase in the number of medical cards issued and lower than expected receipts from the Health Levy. The HSE Board met last week to consider these issues and the HSE will work with my Department to manage the situation. In dealing with the financial situation, the HSE's priority will be to protect the quality of services to patients.

The HSE will be required to deliver more for the resources available to it and this will require the cooperation of all in the health sector. In hospitals, there will be emphasis throughout 2009 on the conversion of in-patient to day case activity, the reduction of average length of stay for patients and improving the operational efficiency of Outpatient Departments. Initiatives of this kind can be implemented without affecting the level or quality of services to patients.

The position in relation to funding available to Ennis General Hospital and the other acute hospitals in 2009 will be kept under continuing review by the HSE.