Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason Louth County Hospital was closed [43544/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Louth County Hospital has not been closed, and there are no plans to do so. The Deputy will be aware that the HSE has reorganised services in the Louth/Meath Hospital Group, and this Hospital continues to play an important and expanding role in the provision of health services in the North East region, with a particular focus on diagnostic and day services.

A minor injuries unit and additional ambulance services have been put in place in Dundalk to support this plan. Gynaecology, medical and surgical day services, stroke rehabilitation, radiology and step down services remain in the hospital. In addition, an elderly day assessment service has transferred to Louth County Hospital. Project teams have also been established to progress with development of plans for both the orthopaedic rehabilitation and medical palliative inpatient beds in the hospital.

The development of the above services demonstrates the Government's commitment to the future of Louth County Hospital. Patient safety is central to the delivery of health services. People must have confidence in the care they receive and have the best possible outcomes. All decisions regarding the operation of health services will be taken with patient safety as the priority.