Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 662: To ask the Minister for Health if urgent consideration will be given to a request by Monaghan County Council (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36345/11]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 663: To ask the Minister for Health the up-to-date position regarding a proposal to establish a medical assessment unit at Monaghan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36346/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 662 and 663 together.

I am committed to ensuring that acute hospital services at national, regional and local level are provided in a clinically appropriate and efficient manner. In particular, I want to ensure that as many services as possible can be provided safely in smaller hospitals. To this end, the Government will publish a framework for the development of smaller hospitals to set out how their future will be secured. The framework will give clear information about the role of smaller hospitals and will address any safety issues arising from HIQA's reports. Consultation covering all the key stakeholders, including patients and public representatives, will be an integral part of the process.

In addition to the framework, the organisation of hospital services will be informed by the clinical programmes, currently being developed and implemented by the HSE. These inter-related programmes aim to improve service quality, effectiveness and patient access and to ensure that patient care is provided in the service setting most appropriate to individuals' needs. 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 or increase 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 am favourably disposed towards the development of Medical Assessment Units, as they provide excellent service for patients. However, it is essential that such units be justified, from both a service delivery and value for money point of view. The HSE has established an independent feasibility study which will examine if there is a clinical need for a Medical Assessment Unit in Monaghan Hospital for the population of Monaghan. It will also establish the pay and non-pay costs and internal/external support services associated with the establishment and running of an MAU in Monaghan. The group commenced its work on 17 October 2011 and the time frame for completion of the project is 6 – 8 weeks.