asked the Minister for Health if he will give a full statement of Government policy in relation to the long-term future of Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, in view of the considerable concern felt by many people in County Meath about this matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Navan (Meath) Hospital.
4.
I presume that this question arises from the recommendations in the FitzGerald Report relating to Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. This report sets out the principles which should govern the future development of the hospital services and I accept these principles as being the best means of ensuring that we will have an effective hospital service in the future. The report has also made suggestions as to how these principles might be implemented in different areas.
The framers of this report, excellent though it is, could not have been expected to present a perfect blue print. Modification based on practicable financial considerations and on the basis of making the best possible use of good existing facilities will be inevitable and can be made without departing from the general principles of the report.
I have already said that before coming to a final decision in relation to any area I shall examine the position in that area in the light of views already submitted by health authorities or other interested bodies or which may be submitted in the future. Where necessary, I will meet deputations.
Having said this, I must repeat something which I have already said. If the prospect of recovery, or the rate of recovery, of any sick person can be markedly improved by changes on the lines recommended, no Deputy in this House should find himself in conflict with such changes.
Is the Minister aware that there have been a number of serious accidents in the vicinity of Navan and that they were successfully treated in Our Lady's Hospital? These people would have died if they had had to travel to Drogheda, Tullamore or elsewhere.
If the Deputy reads the report he will find a number of recommendations in regard to the treatment of accident cases. The treatment of accident cases will naturally be considered by my Department before any decision is made.