Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has received a report, leaked this week in the national media, on the reconfiguration of hospital services in the south east; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the reported content of this report has caused dismay and anger in County Wexford; if she has had direct input into this report; her views on its contents; and if she will cause a full copy of the report to be laid before Dáil Éireann to allow a full democratic debate on its contents. [22398/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to the Teamwork Review of Acute Hospital Services in the HSE South. The Teamwork Review was concerned primarily with acute hospital services in Cork and Kerry and did not make detailed recommendations in relation to services in the South East. The HSE has not made any determination in relation to the future configuration of acute hospital services in the South East.

The Executive established a Steering Group in April, 2009 to review the current service configuration and to prepare proposals for the future organisation of acute hospital services in the South East. The Steering Group, which includes the Clinical Directors of the four acute hospitals concerned, will work with a number of specialty advisory groups to assist in evidence-based decision making. It is anticipated that the Group will bring forward proposals in late 2009.

The fundamental objective of Government health policy is to maximise the health status of the population. The Government is committed to ensuring quality health services, delivered efficiently and effectively. Ensuring patient safety is paramount, so that people can have confidence in the services and that the best possible patient outcomes are achieved. I believe that the approach being taken by the HSE in relation to the configuration of acute hospital services is the best way forward.