Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 163: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if there is a proposal to change the status of the specialist laboratories at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25662/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In February 2009 the HSE announced that, as part of its ongoing transformation of services, it was launching a programme to modernise medical laboratory services. The HSE plans to implement a unified, co-ordinated service which will improve the quality and turnaround times for these essential diagnostic services.

This work will be informed by the report, Implementing a new system of service delivery for Laboratory Medicine Services, by Teamwork Management Services, which the HSE has published. I welcome the fact that the HSE is involving key stakeholders, including the Faculty of Pathology, Royal College of Physicians and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association, in the development of the implementation plans.

The specific question in relation to Waterford Regional Hospital is a matter for the HSE and I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.