Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 280: To ask the Minister for Health if there is a detailed timetable of services from St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, County Cork, to the South Infirmary Victoria Hospital, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29384/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE South this morning issued a press statement in relation to the re-location of orthopaedic services from St Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital to the South Infirmary Victoria Hospital. Work on this programme began in May 2010 and it is expected that the transfer will take place in December 2011. The transfer includes elective in-patient, rehabilitation trauma and day surgery. Trauma and emergency orthopaedic surgery will continue to be provided in Cork University Hospital.

As the Deputy is aware, there has been considerable engagement with staff and key stakeholders in relation to the transfer of services. I believe that this process has been crucial and will greatly facilitate the new developments that are to be implemented. I reviewed this proposal earlier this year and I have made it clear that health services will continue to be provided at St Mary's, including mental health, maternity outpatient and ambulances services, a health centre and residential provision for community nursing and intellectual disability. In addition, extra services will be made available at the St Mary's campus, such as an Urgent Care Centre linked to the Mercy Hospital. The HSE is also examining the potential for locating a new primary care centre on the St Mary's site, to service the population of the north west of Cork city, and is in discussion with local GPs on this.

I am convinced that these developments will result in a greatly enhanced health service in Cork and Kerry region. I have arranged for the Communications Directorate of the HSE South to email its press statement to the Deputy, which contains details of the relocation.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 281: To ask the Minister for Health his future plans for St. Stephen's Hospital, Glanmire, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29385/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.