128. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health her plans to invest in Navan hospital in view of the recent HIQA report, details supplied, and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28366/26]

Sentiment score: 0.01

Will the Minister to outline her plans to invest in Our Lady's Hospital in Navan in view of the recent HIQA report and will she make a statement on the matter?

Sentiment score: 0.03

I welcome every euro invested in Navan hospital, as does the entire community in the county. The national standard 3.1 states that service providers protect service users from the risk of harm associated with the design and delivery of healthcare services, and the hospital was non-compliant in that regard in June 2024 and November 2025. Essentially, what management said at a follow-up inspection was that decisions regarding the transformation of the hospital on a national level were still outstanding and the hospital continued to operate as a model 3 hospital without the provision of acute on-site surgical services. That is stating that it is a model 3 hospital in name. In effect, it is a model 2.5 hospital because it does not have on-site surgical services. Is the Minister satisfied that the investment plan she has will address the risks identified in the HIQA report?

Sentiment score: 0.13

I am certainly open to that. It would be welcome. It is an argument we have made. The starting point is that we have to protect our emergency department at Navan hospital. There has been a significant increase in population in the region. If there is an opportunity in terms of a surgical hub, the population base, infrastructure and potential are there for enhanced services at Navan hospital. That could work alongside Connolly, Our Lady of Lourdes, Beaumont and the Mater. There is potential there. The HIQA report needs to be the basis of increased investment and addressing the risks that may be present.

Sentiment score: 0.15