Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to provide additional services at Roscommon County Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32714/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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An Urgent Care Centre was established in Roscommon County Hospital in July 2011. This Centre operates from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week and the service is provided by non-consultant hospital doctors, with clinical governance provided by an emergency medicine consultant at Galway University Hospital.

An enhanced ambulance service has been put in place. During the day, four ambulances staffed by paramedics are available, while three are available at night. In addition, there is a special Rapid Response Vehicle, staffed by advanced paramedics, available on a twenty four hour, seven day basis. An out of hours GP service is also in operation. A Medical Assessment Unit is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. This is a medical admission pathway and accepts referrals from a range of sources, including general practitioners.

An outpatient and day surgery plastic surgery service commenced in the last few months. Furthermore, increased day surgery is due to commence shortly. This will involve taking suitable patients from Galway University Hospital waiting lists.

Roscommon Hospital has a clear future and will continue to provide key services to the people of the area. I believe that smaller hospitals can and should provide as wide as possible a range of services, close to the local community. The key concern is that they are safe.

Too often we have focused on what we are taking away from rather than what we can add to, services in smaller hospitals. A framework for the development of smaller hospitals is being prepared for the Government jointly by the HSE and my Department which will set out how smaller hospitals will develop to reach their full true potential. This will specify what services are transferring to them from the larger hospitals.

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 it is implemented, smaller hospitals will have vibrant roles, doing more work – not less – and meeting as many as possible of the needs of their local communities.