David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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290. To ask the Minister for Health the purpose of his visit to University Hospital Waterford on 28 November 2016; the reason it was an unannounced visit; the detail of the persons who accompanied him on his visit; the detail of the persons he met and the topics discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38357/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Since taking office I have embarked on a series of hospital visits and have found them extremely beneficial. I had announced many times my intention to visit University Hospital Waterford and was pleased to be able to do on the 28th November. Along with my Government colleague, Minister Halligan, I met with the Executive Management Board, a group of cardiologists and a broad range of staff with whom I discussed a number of the services provided at the hospital including the increased attendances at the Emergency Department and the additional support being made available to the hospital under this year's Winter Initiative, cardiology services and plans for the new palliative care unit as well as recruitment efforts currently underway. I was accompanied by senior officials from my Department's Acute Hospitals Policy Division and Press Office, my Special Adviser and HSE senior officials.