Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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129. To ask the Minister for Health if demographic trends were considered when allocating resources for Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital for 2014 in view of demographic trends in similar jurisdictions that result in increased demands for in-patient treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47437/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Decisions on allocation of resources to individual hospitals are made by the HSE in the context of competing priorities and the overall resources available. I understand that the HSE has been in active engagement with Cappagh Hospital this year regarding their finances and to examine and agree options for optimising the available resources to ensure patients have timely access. The HSE recently facilitated €800k in additional funding to enable Cappagh Hospital to treat 102 patients from the waiting list in Cavan General Hospital and to also facilitate treatment for some additional Cappagh patients. In relation to 2015, I understand that the HSE will continue to engage with the hospital regarding its budget and to explore mechanisms to ensure optimal use of resources at the hospital within the overall resources available to the acute sector.

The Deputy will be aware that Cappagh Hospital is part of the Ireland East Hospital Group and I am confident that there will be a structured integration of Cappagh hospital into that Hospital Group in 2015 and that this will provide opportunities and support for Cappagh hospital in managing demand and delivering high-quality, safe patient care in a cost-effective manner.