Dublin West TD and Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has welcomed comments from the Minister of State for Health that the 24 hour Emergency Department in Connolly Hospital is secure, and that the HSE has been instructed to maintain doctor numbers at the hospital.
“Minister of State in the Department of Health, Kathleen Lynch, told the Dáil this week that the Government is committed to ensuring that appropriate services can safely be provided in Blanchardstown, including the Emergency Department.
“Minister Lynch said this is in line with the Government’s policy to ensure that as many services as possible can be provided safely in smaller, local hospitals. I very much welcome the Minister’s remarks, and the fact that the Health Service Executive has no plans to cease 24 hour Emergency Department cover at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown.
“Minister Lynch also said the Government will continue to work with the HSE in order to secure the best service for patients in Connolly Hospital and other similar sized hospitals. She said the HSE has launched a plan to recruit extra junior doctors to ensure that any shortage of junior doctors will be addressed, that services are protected, and that patient safety is maintained.
“I understand that the HSE is currently recruiting medical staff overseas to start work in July of this year, with a special emphasis on priority posts. It has also launched a number of programmes aimed at helping hospitals like Connolly to meet the needs of patients in the best possible way.
“I also welcome Minister Lynch’s assurances that the Department of Health will continue to work with the HSE to secure the best service for patients Connolly Hospital.”