Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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85. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied); the details of the update in 2021 of the options appraisal for model 4 hospital services published in 2019, as referenced in the letter; if the updated options appraisal has been published; if so, if a copy of the updated Options Appraisal will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61357/22]

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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100. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of the preferred option in the 2019 options appraisal for model hospital services; the status of the 2019 options appraisal as regards providing a framework for the future development and upgrading of Galway hospital facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61356/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 100 together.

I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the very difficult and unacceptable conditions for patients, families and healthcare staff working in Galway University Hospital. I visited Galway in October and it is clear, that action is required there on multiple fronts.

Health capital investment decisions are informed by Programme for Government priorities, sectoral policies, strategies and reform initiatives as set out in Sláintecare. The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, in line with the new lifecycle approach of the updated Public Spending Code (PSC).

The PSC is designed to ensure that investment decisions are underpinned by a clear policy rationale, and that costs are well understood. There are defined processes in which all Departments and agencies are subject to and must follow to ensure that Government, as the approving authority for all major projects, can be satisfied that a project is the best means to achieve a policy goal and that we achieve maximum value for money for the taxpayer.

The scale of the ambitions for University Hospital Galway (UHG) are significant, as are the costs forecast within a limited capital envelope. Project prioritisation is therefore a necessity and in the health sector is driven by healthcare needs. The HSE’s service directorate must determine the service need and the most appropriate model of care. The development of new /refurbished healthcare facilities in Galway, or anywhere in the country, cannot be seen in isolation or separate from the delivery of related health care services. Therefore, the determination of the specific model of care and how and where it interfaces with the wider health service is in the specification /project brief that determines the type and scale of facility to be provided. Work is ongoing in this regard in relation to the projects proposed for UHG.

To further enhance the capital investment process, my Department is currently developing a strategic health investment framework to ensure that capital investments are evidenced based, equitable, and Sláintecare reforms are achieved, with the overall objective of having better health outcomes. This will enhance the efficient delivery of capital projects in the health system across the State.