Reconfiguration Of Health Services Must Be Reviewed

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb. 3, 2011 - Dr. Hillery, who is a former President of the Irish Medical Council, said that the policy had led to a reduction in local services before resources had been put in place to operate the changed structure, resulting in patient safety being compromised.  

He also said the appointment of a new HSE Chief Executive and a new Minister for Health since the reconfiguration policy was implemented necessitated a review of the effectiveness of the policy.  

Dr. Hillery suggested that a HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) audit similar to that carried out at Ennis General Hospital should be undertaken at the Mid West Regional Hospital in Dooradoyle as well as associated support services, whose function he said should be to provide a safe, comprehensive healthcare service to the people of Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary.

“The reconfiguration policy is in line with best practice and fundamentally is designed to enhance patient safety and access to healthcare services. However, the rollout of this policy in the Mid West region is being undermined by management and structural changes within the Department of Health and HSE.  

“A thorough review of the effectiveness of the reconfiguration policy must be carried out with a view to reassuring patients in the region that access to appropriate healthcare is provided in the event that they should require it”, he noted.

Meanwhile, a report conducted by Dr. Hillery into South Tipperary Mental Health Services was published earlier this week by the Department of Health.

-ENDS-

Note To Editor:
-   Dr. John Hillery is available for interview and further comment on 087-2793703.