Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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211. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to visit a hospital (details supplied) in the coming months to see the facilities on offer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6265/18]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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216. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to extend and invest in services at a hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6272/18]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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217. To ask the Minister for Health his and the HSE's long-term plans for a hospital (details supplied); if there is a five year plan for this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6273/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 211, 216 and 217 together.

The Smaller Hospitals Framework defines the role of smaller hospitals and outlines the need for smaller hospitals and larger hospitals to operate as Hospital Groups. The Framework identifies the activities that can be performed in smaller hospitals in a safe and sustainable manner. These include extended day surgery, selected acute medicine, a local injuries service, a large range of diagnostic services, specialist rehabilitation medicine and palliative care. In developing our smaller hospitals, as set out in the Smaller Hospitals Framework, the first and over-riding concern is the safety of patients.

Significant progress has been made in the establishment and development of Hospital Groups over the last few years. Our hospitals are now working together and supporting each other in Groups. This new way of working provides a stronger role for smaller hospitals, like Monaghan Hospital, in delivering less complex care. It also ensures that patients who require true emergency or complex planned care are managed safely in larger hospitals.

The Deputy should be aware that the organisation of services between hospitals within a group is the responsibility and remit of the Hospital Group itself and is an area which is undergoing continuing development.

In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.