Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 309: To ask the Minister for Health his plans regarding the regrading of hospitals here in terms of module four, module three, module two and module one; the position regarding same; and his views and timescale for completing this process. [21592/11]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 310: To ask the Minister for Health the hospitals that have been identified as module four hospitals; the hospitals that have been identified as module three hospitals; the hospitals that have identified as module two hospitals; the timescales, plans and budgets to take account of these new categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21593/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 309 and 310 together.

In relation to the provision of hospital services generally, I have instructed the HSE not to withdraw any services from acute hospitals unless and until I receive a full briefing on the details of what is proposed, the alternative arrangements to be put in place, and the overall implications for patients.

The National Acute Medicine Programme provides a framework for the delivery of acute medical services in hospitals. It seeks to substantially improve and standardise the care of acutely ill medical patients. The programme has been jointly developed by the HSE and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, to enable the hospital structure to meet present day needs in appropriate settings, thereby providing optimal care for patients.

The classification of individual hospitals will determine the type of treatment they may offer. It will be based on a range of parameters, including the type and level of complexity of treatment that can be performed safely. This in turn will be determined by factors such as volume of treatment carried out and the complementary specialties, back-up services and range of clinical skills available. The programme will set out how hospitals operate. In particular it will allow smaller hospitals to increase activity in areas such as day surgery, minor injuries, outpatients, rehabilitation and diagnostics, which are growths area for healthcare both nationally and internationally. I believe that smaller hospitals can and should provide as wide a possible range of services, close to the local community provided they are safe. I intend to prepare a framework for the development of smaller hospitals, which will set out how they will develop to reach their full true potential. This will specify what services are transferring to them, from the larger hospitals. Too often we have focused on what we are taking away rather than what we can add to services there.

All of this will be done with full regard to the safety issues highlighted by HIQA, in its reports on Ennis and Mallow Hospitals. When implemented, smaller hospitals will have vibrant role, doing more work – not less – and meeting as many as possible of the needs of their local community.

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 311: To ask the Minister for Health if it is intended that Portlaoise be designated as a module two hospital; the implications of the hospital in this situation in terms of budgets and staffing and medical and surgical procedures to be carried out in the hospital; and the future role of the accident and emergency unit in this hospital. [21594/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The configuration of services is constantly being reviewed and reorganised in the light of the clinical programmes currently being developed and rolled out by the HSE and in order to ensure the delivery of appropriate and safe health services. In all cases the future configuration of services will also need to meet the requirements of the recent HIQA reports on Mallow and Ennis.

The models described in the HSE's clinical programmes give guidance as to the appropriate role of hospitals and how they should interact for maximum effectiveness and best patient outcomes. No decision as to the exact role of any hospital, including Portlaoise Hospital, has yet been taken in terms of the clinical programme models .

I will be considering these matters in conjunction with the HSE and relevant experts and will arrive at my decisions in this regard based on the need to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients and the need to ensure safe delivery of health services in hospitals. As I have stated on several previous occasions, this Government is committed to developing and enhancing the role of smaller hospitals to ensure that their services can be put to best use for patients and local communities. I must reiterate, however, that the issue of safe delivery of health services for patients is paramount.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the X-ray service in Dungloe Community Hospital, County Donegal, will be continued; if he will present a long-term plan for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21617/11]

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.