The Department of Health has not given any date on when a decision will be reached regarding the location of a major trauma centre for the central trauma network and is still engaging with the HSE on the matter, the Medical Independent (MI) has been informed.
“The HSE has made a recommendation in relation to the preferred locations of the major trauma centre for the central trauma network and two Dublin trauma units,” a Department spokesperson told MI.
The spokesperson added that this recommendation “is under active consideration”.
However, no timetable was provided in terms of an announcement.
On 3 July last, the Chair of the HSE board Mr Ciarán Devane sent the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly the final report of the independent assessment panel in relation to the designation of the central trauma network’s major trauma centre and Dublin trauma units.
In Mr Devane’s accompanying letter to the Minister, seen by MI following a Freedom of Information request, it is stated that the report had been requested by Minister Donnelly’s predecessor (former Minister for Health Simon Harris) “in correspondence on 11 June 2020”.
“The report of the independent assessment panel (IAP) sets out the assessment process undertaken by the panel with advice in relation to the designation of the major trauma centre as well as the location and number of trauma units for Dublin,” wrote Mr Devane.
“I trust that the IAP report will assist the Department in considering the
HSE’s recommendation.” Cork University Hospital has already been selected as the trauma centre for the south trauma network.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.