9. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding any analysis or action plan currently being considered in terms of additional healthcare capacity in the midlands, in particular elective care capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17322/26]

Sentiment score: 0.17

This morning I would like to ask for an update for a position regarding any analysis or action plan currently being considered in terms of additional healthcare capacity in Offaly and the midlands, particularly in relation to elective care capacity.

Sentiment score: 0.69

I thank the Minister. It is welcome news that we are looking at new elective capacity in the midlands. It is something I have raised here in the past in this Chamber. We have a situation where patients and carers are travelling to every corner of the country rather than the midlands for that surgery and medical care. It will assist in relation to providing better care and local care but also with congestion, not just on roads but in facilities in the likes of Dublin, where patients have had to come for so long. That will take a demand pressure away from those hospitals by bringing a new facility, new capacity and a new modern facility to the midlands. From my perspective, Tullamore is best suited to provide that facility. The performance ratings of the emergency department in Tullamore in particular are outstanding. Patients are seldom left on trolleys, but that is coming at the cost of elective care. This measure is very much welcome.

Sentiment score: 0.39

I appreciate the Minister’s support in this regard. The objective is to get to a stage where there will be a call for expressions of interest and follow-through of this plan in order that surgical procedures will happen in Tullamore or elsewhere in the midlands. That is what we all have to aspire to. I acknowledge the Minister’s recent visit to the midlands regarding ongoing facility works, such as the hospice in Tullamore and the primary care centres in Tullamore and Banagher. Edenderry primary care centre is also in for planning permission at the moment. I recently visited Birr primary care centre, which the Minister visited when it was only a shell. It is now nearing completion. If the Minister has any update on the completion of those works and when GPs will move onto the site, it would be greatly appreciated.

Sentiment score: 0.39