West in unique position to lead on changes to new hospital groupings
the West is in a unique position to lead on changes to the establishment of hospital groupings nationwide.
That’s according to hospital group Chief Bill Maher who addressed members of this afternoon’s Regional Health Forum West on the planned transition to independent hospital trusts.
Under the plan announced by the Health Minister earlier this month, the west/north west composition includes University Hospital Galway, Merlin Park hospital, Portiuncula in Ballinasloe, Sligo Regional, LetterkennyGeneral, Mayo General and Roscommon general.
The academic partner is NUI Galway.
Galway bay fm reports that Addressing this afternoon’s forum, CEO of the Galway Roscommon HospitalGroup Bill Maher said that it’s the first group which was set up inJanuary last year.
He said there was no additional headcount added in the formation of thenew grouping.
The CEO also advised that all hospitals are safe in the hands of the groupand that there is no plan to take services from local hospitals and bringthem to level four hospitals, adding that there is no capacity for such astep.
He concluded by outlining the main priorities for this year as focusing ongroup integration and achieving results and autonomy.
Mr. Maher said he wants to deliver on waiting time and trolley targets andon the items outlined in the wider service plan.
Forum Chairperson Cllr Padraig Conneely said he had a concern over thegeographical spread of the trust to include Sligo and Donegal.
He added that responsibility and accountability may become fragmented.
CEO Bill Maher said while he recognized the geographical spread does posea concern, the group has very good governance and systems.