Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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410. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the centralisation of trauma units; his plans to close St Luke's Hospital Kilkenny accident and emergency unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50329/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I have no plans to close the Emergency Department at St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny.

In 2015, my predecessor as Minister for Health established a Trauma Policy Steering Group, chaired by Professor Eilis McGovern, to make recommendations in relation to the development of a trauma system for Ireland. Patients who have used trauma services and clinicians were at the heart of the development of the plan. The Group has now completed its report and I intend to bring it to Cabinet before the end of the year.

This is about delivering best outcomes for the small number of patients each year who suffer major trauma, that is, injuries which have the potential to cause prolonged disability or death, and ensuring they get the right care in the right place at the right time.