35% increase in procedures in 2012 at Roscommon Hospital clear evidence of a strong future – Feighan

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has said that the continued expansion of services at Roscommon Hospital has ensured a 35% increase in procedures at the hospital in 2012 which shows clear evidence of a strong future for the County Hospital

“The continued development of a range of services at Roscommon Hospital is reflected in the significant increase in activity at the hospital, despite fears raised about its long-term future. Roscommon hospital now provides more services to patients than ever before.

“Patient day care at Roscommon Hospital increased by 26% from 3,798 in 2010 to 5,127 in 2013 while the number of outpatients attendances each year has increased from 12,836 to 14,855. All of this is clear evidence that Roscommon provides a role model for how a small hospital can prosper in a hospital group. The grouping of these hospitals will enable each hospital like Roscommon to specialise in certain procedures.

“Roscommon Hospital will continue to work in a large number of areas including day surgery, selected acute medicine, a large range of diagnostic services, including endoscopy, laboratory medicine, point of care testing, radiology, rehabilitation and chronic disease management.

“New services at the hospital include plastic and reconstructive surgery, urology services, a radiology upgrade and a range of new nursing initiatives. I’m also delighted that Roscommon Hospital has been selected as a site for Colorectal Screening under the National Cancer Control Programme.

“On the capital development side, there is a range of exciting developments being planned and this €15 million investment was secured through working as a Government TD with my colleagues in cabinet.

“Plans are progressing well for €3 million Endoscopy suite, which will perform three times as many procedures following its completion. Roscommon Hospital is also currently working to establish a Satellite Medical Rehabilitation Centre for the Western Region while plans are also being developed with Mayo Roscommon/Hospice for a new Palliative Care Centre on the grounds of the hospital.

“As the only Government TD in the constituency, I have exercised my influence in Government at the highest level to ensure major investment is being injected into the hospital. Over the last two years, I have attended more than one hundred meetings at every level to date to ensure its long-term future. The evidence is there to clearly show that I have worked hard and will continue to work hard to make sure Roscommon Hospital is a leading example for all small hospitals across the country.”