New hospital reform plan will see hospitals grouped to ensure better patient outcomes – Collins

Fine Gael Cork North West Deputy, Áine Collins, has said the Higgin’s Report on the Establishment of Hospital Groups and the Small Hospital Framework which has been approved by Cabinet this afternoon (Tuesday) will result in better service provision, the retention of well trained staff and the development of specialities in smaller hospitals.

“The radical reform plan which has been developed by the Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly TD, in conjunction with Prof. John Higgins, will see the biggest reorganisation of our hospitals’ structure in the history of the State. It is designed to bring about the transfer of some services from the larger hospitals to the smaller ones, giving them the opportunity to develop to their full potential.

“As part of this plan, Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Kerry General Hospital, Bantry General Hospital, Mallow General Hospital, Clonmel, Lourdes Orthopaedic Hospital in Kilcreene and Waterford Regional Hospital will form the South/South West Hospital Group.

“All groups will include at least one cancer centre, a maternity provider and a named academic partner. Ensuring academic involvement with the group will ensure we stay ahead of the curve where research, training and education are concerned. This is crucial for the improvement of service delivery. The academic partner for the South/South West Group will be University College Cork.

“Staff will now be employed by the Group, as opposed to the individual hospital, a Chief Director of Nursing will be appointed to each group to give nurses the direction and leadership they so crave. Among the leadership roles is an international ‘buddy’ which will focus on keeping up to date with the advances that are taking place internationally. This role recognises the valuable contribution that mentoring can make, not only in the businesses world but also in the world of healthcare.

“For too long now our health service has been evolving with no proper framework in place for future development. This has led to a fragmented service where duplication is widespread with the result that resources are not being maximised.

“The plan is that the groups will eventually move to become hospitals trusts, which will allow for the full dismantling of the HSE and the transfer of full budgetary control by each group. However, before this takeover happens, an examination of whether services have not only been maintained but enhanced under the new scheme will take place.

“This Government is intent on delivering a healthcare service that meets the demands of all of our people under Minister Reilly’s plan, Future Health. Today’s announcement is the next major milestone on the path to the realising that goal.”

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