Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1346. To ask the Minister for Health the engagement he has had with management and medical staff at Cork University Maternity Hospital; and if his attention has been drawn to the governance and resources issues that are currently outstanding. [1879/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware of difficulties in relation to waiting times for gynaecology services in Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH), which are in part due to staff resource challenges including those associated with recruiting theatre nursing staff.

Last week, I visited the hospital to meet with hospital management, South/South West Hospital Group (SSWHG) management and a number of consultant obstetricians/gynaecologists, to learn at first-hand about these problems and how they can best be resolved. I have asked my officials to work closely with the HSE and the SSWHG to ensure that the waiting list for gynaecology procedures is addressed as a priority. I have also committed to convene a follow-up meeting on this matter in approximately six weeks time.

In demonstration of the Government's commitment to address waiting lists, Budget 2017 makes specific provision for the treatment of the longest-waiting patients. I am assured that the 2017 NTPF waiting list initiative will help to alleviate some of the difficulties in Cork. In 2017, the NTPF will have an allocation of €20 million and, in the first instance, in the region of €5m will be targeted at daycase procedures. The NTPF anticipate that 2,500 of the longest waiting daycase patients, including patients on the CUMH waiting list, will be treated under this initiative.

My Department will continue to work with the HSE and NTPF to ensure best use of the additional resources allocated to tackle hospital waiting lists. In that regard, the HSE has been requested to submit Action Plans for 2017, in January, in respect of both the Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List and the Outpatient Waiting List. Further consideration will be given to the needs of CUMH in that context.

Lastly, I should mention that the governance structures for our maternity services is currently being remodelled with the establishment of the HSE National Women & Infants Health Programme and maternity networks across Hospital Groups. The Programme will lead the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecological and neonatal services, ensure the consistent delivery of high quality care in these services and oversee the development of maternity networks. I am hopeful that the new maternity network which is currently being established in the SSWHG will ensure better co-ordination and utilisation of maternity and gynaecological resources across the group.