The people of Tipperary and the Staff of South Tipperary General Hospital deserve clarity into the governance and future of Maternity services at the Clonmel Hospital.
Statement
Deputy Michael Lowry has called for clarity on the external review completed by Mr. David Flory into the governance of Maternity Department services at South Tipperary General Hospital (STGH) Clonmel, Co Tipperary.
Deputy Michael Lowry said; this report is disturbing in the context of the long-term future of maternity services at South Tipperary General Hospital.
Deputy Lowry stated; South Tipperary General Hospital provides a vital service to the People of Tipperary. In 2014 there were 1,102 births registered in the hospital. The people of Tipperary and the Staff of South Tipperary General Hospital deserve clarity into the governance and future of Maternity services at the Hospital.
Deputy Lowry Concluded; I hereby Call on the Minister for Health to clarify the Government’s attitude to this report and give reassurance that there will be no reduction in the level of quality or services which are currently provided by South Tipperary General Hospital.
Nenagh Is Now A Hospital For The Future.
Independent Deputy Michael Lowry has welcomed the completion of the latest phase of development at Nenagh General Hospital. I am pleased to acknowledge the official opening of the new Surgical Day Unit on Monday 29th June.
“It gives me great satisfaction to witness another significant chapter in the hospitals development and expansion. At a crucial time I worked closely with the HSE and the Department of Health to rescue the hospital from permanent decline. I had to take unpopular political decisions in the face of orchestrated opposition to my stance. The political opportunists said I had got it wrong and forecast the closure of the hospital. I am glad that I had the courage to pursue my conviction on what I considered was the best option to safeguard a role for the hospital and secure it’s future. My representations resulted in agreement to include Nenagh in the National Capital Programme with an investment of 6.5 million. Funds were earmarked for new lifts, new endoscopy unit, additional recovery unit, new surgical suites together with general restoration and refurbishment work. My commitment and ability to deliver on this development programme and funding package was frequently questioned, but now the results are evident with modern fully equipped facilities available to the public”.
Deputy Lowry added “Nenagh General Hospital has now established a very influential and abiding role in the delivery of endoscopy, diagnostic and surgical procedures for the people of Tipperary and the Mid-West region. Under the new HSE structures the Hospital also provides an expanded range of consultancy specialists at it’s outpatient clinic centre.
Since the re-development and restructuring of services the throughput of patients has increased by an average of 40%. Nenagh General Hospital is now a thriving, bustling successful health care centre with opportunities to further grow and expand”.
Deputy Lowry commended the management and staff of the hospital for their continued hard work and determination. Their professionalism and efficiency is an essential factor in the continued success of Nenagh General Hospital.
Michael Lowry. T.D.