Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Health the reason behind the decision of the Health Service Executive to reduce the hours at Monaghan hospital's minor injuries unit; if he will ask the HSE and place on the record of this House the actual cost savings that would be achieved to justify the reduction in hours in view of the fact that 34% of persons attend the unit between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.; if he will ask the HSE to ensure there will be no reduction in service until it provides a clear alternative proposal in view of the fact that reduction in services at Monaghan General Hospital will clearly result in additional costs to Cavan and Drogheda hospitals. [26307/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE is planning to change the opening time of the Minor Injuries Unit at Monaghan to an 8 hour 5 day service and expects that this will take effect from 1st November. This change is to be viewed as a temporary measure and will be reviewed in 2012.

The change in the opening times of the Monaghan MIU is the direct result of the current budgetary and financial position facing the health system. The HSE has reviewed other possible options to save money and/or increased revenue, but has concluded that they would not generate sufficient savings in the short term. Following a detailed analysis of this issue, the HSE has estimated that total annual savings of almost €400,000 would be generated with this alteration of opening hours.

I have emphasised to the HSE the need to ensure that the impact of such changes to patients is minimised and that all changes are fully communicated. I understand that arrangements, which include staff redeployments and a communications plan, are being put in place by the HSE in relation to this change.

It is not anticipated that the operation of a Monday to Friday 8 hours per day service will result in additional costs to Cavan and Drogheda hospitals.