John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action he proposes to take following the release of the recent report on operating theatres in the three children's hospitals in Dublin; if he will provide assurances on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10166/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In 2009 the HSE commissioned Meridian Productivity Ltd to carry out a review of the theatre services provided within the three Dublin Children's Hospitals.

Since the report of the review was delivered, the HSE and the three hospitals have used the report to inform how theatre services could be developed and delivered to drive improvements and efficiencies for patient care. Progress has been made in a number of areas in order to maximise the usage of these hospital theatres, including the following;

A Clinical Director has been appointed jointly across the three hospitals .

A joint waiting list strategy including common validation is a current active joint management project of the three hospitals.

Each hospital has reviewed and amended its theatre schedule since the report was undertaken in order to maximise efficiency.

Each hospital actively monitors late starts and over runs and theatre activity is the subject of constant performance review.

Significant changes in staff rostering have facilitated more efficient use of specialist resource and staffing levels are kept under constant review.

Each hospital has responded to the requirement to create space for emergency patients.

Significant improvements have been made in the utilisation of theatres across the hospital sites and current utilisation is favourably comparable with children's hospitals internationally. The three hospitals now consistently exceed the HSE agreed target of 70%.

Work to ensure maximum utilisation of these hospital theatres is ongoing. I will continue to work with the HSE to ensure that the recommendations of the review are fully implemented and that issues identified in the report are addressed. We must ensure optimal use of these lifesaving essential facilities.