Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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1077. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progress of establishing centres of excellence and the role of lead hospitals in such settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46030/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to the role of hospitals within Hospital Groups. The introduction of Hospital Groups will provide for organisational change in the first instance, giving more autonomy and better enabling the reorganisation of services in a well-planned manner. Over time, this will help to improve services and deliver better outcomes for patients.

Chairs have now been appointed to all seven Hospital Groups. CEOs are in place for three of the Groups, and the process of recruiting CEOs for the remaining four Groups will shortly commence, in consultation with Chairpersons, through the Public Appointments Service. My Department will also enter into discussion with the Chairs with a view to appointing the remaining Board members as soon as possible.

A Strategic Advisory Group is now being established, chaired by Mr. Leo Kearns, which will oversee the establishment of Hospital Groups and the subsequent reorganisation of acute hospital services. Each group of hospitals will work together as single cohesive entities managed as one, to provide acute care for patients in their area, integrating with community and primary care. This will maximise the amount of care delivered locally, whilst ensuring complex care is safely provided in larger hospitals. Hospital Groups will be required, within one year, to develop a strategic plan which will outline their plans for future services within the group area and the role of hospitals within each group will be considered in detail in the context of this strategic plan.