Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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507. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel; his views on the impending hospital group transfer which may take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32288/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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South Tipperary General Hospital (STGH) is part of the South South West Hospital Group. The Government is committed to securing and further developing the role of STGH and I am determined to ensure that as many services as possible can be provided safely and appropriately in that hospital.

In addition to funding being provided for a 40 bedded modular build, the NDP 2018-2027 announced in February includes provision for capital developments at STGH including ward accommodation and the out-patients department.

As the Deputy may be aware, the report of the cross-party Committee on the Future of Healthcare made a number of recommendations in relation to Hospital Groups, including consideration of the current alignment of hospital groups and CHOs. The HSE has made considerable progress in establishing hospital groups and CHOs, but as the Sláintecare report makes clear, greater alignment between them could improve health service delivery and population-based planning. Any changes to the composition of Hospital Groups will be subject to my approval.