Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Health if it is the intention of the Health Service Executive to downgrade Mallow Hospital, County Cork, to an urgent care centre; when this is likely to happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20150/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In April this year, HIQA published its report on Mallow General Hospital. I am satisfied that the actions taken in relation to the hospital have substantially addressed the report's recommendations on the safety and quality of the hospital's services. This work has involved close consultation with senior clinicians, professionals and management.

Detailed planning for the remaining changes, including changes to the Emergency Department (ED) will also involve significant local consultation. The involvement of GPs will be an important element of the consultation process and the final proposals will be cleared with my office before formal implementation commences. The overall approach at Mallow is in line with my vision for smaller hospitals – that they are a vibrant element of local health services, providing treatment and care at the appropriate level of complexity to patients in their areas. It confirms the crucial role that the hospital will play, as part of a wider network of acute hospitals across Cork and Kerry, in providing care for the population of North Cork.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Health the number of beds in Kerry General Hospital, County Kerry, that are currently closed; his plans to reopen additional beds; if he will give assurances that no further bed closures will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20155/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Health the number of beds in community hospitals in County Kerry that are currently closed; his plans to reopen additional beds; if he will give assurances that no further bed closures will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20156/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply