Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 626: To ask the Minister for Health if he has finalised plans to downgrade the accident and emergency unit in Loughlinstown, Dublin; and if so, the date on which same will occur. [3479/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I am preparing a framework for the future development of smaller hospitals, which includes St. Columcille's, Loughlinstown. The HSE and my Department are working with HIQA on the safety aspects concerned. Consultation covering all the key stakeholders including patients and public representatives will be an integral part of the process.

The three hospitals in the region (St. Michael's, St. Columcille's and St. Vincent's) are working together with the HSE to ensure that the appropriate level of service is provided in the best location to ensure clinical safety, quality and patient safety and to manage risk. With regards to the reconfiguration of Emergency Department services a Project Steering Group is reviewing the current service provision and is in the process of generating proposals as to how the new service configuration will operate.