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

429. To ask the Minister for Health to outline his plans regarding representation by management or clinicians at Mallow General Hospital on the South/South West Hospital Group. [2666/17]

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

Hospital Groups have been established on a non-statutory administrative basis in line with the Government’s programme for reform of the health service. The establishment of Hospital Groups is designed to deliver more responsive and equitable access to vital services for all patients. Potential benefits include increased efficiency and greater cost-effectiveness, better outcomes for patients, improved accountability and a stronger role for smaller hospitals in the delivery of health services.

Mallow General Hospital is one of nine hospitals that comprise the South/South West Hospital Group (SSWHG). The Hospital Group Board is chaired by Professor Geraldine McCarthy and I hope to appoint the rest of the Board in the near future. In that regard, the Department has commenced advertising through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) for candidates with the necessary expertise, competencies and experience for appointment to the Hospital Group Boards. Applications for the SSWHG Board will be invited in due course.