Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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339. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 432 of 18 October 2016, if he will provide a further update as to when the national steering group established by him to develop policy on a major trauma system for Ireland will publish its first report; the status of the group's recommendations in respect of St. Luke's Hospital, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38556/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As I have previously informed the Deputy, the development of the trauma policy is a joint initiative from the Department of Health and the HSE, in recognition that we do not have a coordinated trauma network structure in Ireland. The focus for the development of a policy direction in relation to the strategic organisation of Ireland’s trauma service is to ensure that patients have access to the specific safe, high quality trauma services they need. The primary aim will be to improve patient outcomes and lead to a reduction in preventable death and disability.

The development of the policy is still work in progress and the group has not yet made any recommendations. It is expected the Group's report will be completed in early 2017.