Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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510. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the new model for dermatological care and the reconfiguration of the new services in respect of the Midland Regional Hospital and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in view of the proposal that Mullingar be included with the other hospitals in the midlands group and with St. James's Hospital under Sláintecare; if this will require a further reconfiguration in due course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2607/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The restructuring of Ireland's health services under Sláintecare will not affect collaborations between hospitals. There is no intention for any geographical realignment to adversely impact existing clinical service collaborations. Any changes would have to be informed by the future approach to the planning of services in a health region.

I am advised by the HSE that the Ireland East Hospital Group (IEHG), in conjunction with the Regional Hospital in Mullingar and the Mater Hospital have recently put in place a comprehensive and sustainable model of dermatology care for the Region. This hub and spoke model of care for Dermatology has three consultant dermatologists appointed to the Mater Hospital, each with a 10-hour sessional commitment to Mullingar. The consultants will deliver outpatient clinics in Mullingar with any patient requiring admission being referred to the Mater Hospital.

The plan has also factored in the care of patients with suspected /diagnosed melanomas – all such patients will be managed by the Multi-disciplinary Team in the Mater where they will receive any ongoing systemic treatment/care which is deemed safe clinical practice.