Health Strategies

Wednesday, 25 February 2026

Questions (245, 246)

Emer Currie

Question:

245. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health for an update on the implementation of the National Major Trauma Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15328/26]

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246. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health to clarify a matter relating to the National Major Trauma Strategy (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15329/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.

The Trauma Strategy, 'A Trauma System for Ireland: The Report of the Trauma Steering Group' was approved by Government in February 2018. The Strategy recommended two regional hub-and-spoke trauma networks. Each Network has one designated Major Trauma Centre (MTC) for the treatment of major trauma and Trauma Units for the treatment of injuries of a lesser severity.

Significant progress is being made to develop an inclusive trauma system to co-ordinate and standardise trauma care, in line with the recommendations of the Strategy. Since 2018, a total of €16.65 million has been provided for the implementation of the Trauma Strategy.

The first phase of the implementation saw the establishment of two MTCs for the Central and South Trauma Networks. Major trauma services officially launched the MTCs at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and Cork University Hospital in April 2023. Additionally, Planned Trauma Care services were established at Cork University Hospital to provide efficient follow-on care and day case procedures for patients with less severe injuries.

Building on this progress, the recruitment of 90 WTE, funded in 2025, enables further development of trauma services. This includes additional staffing for the opening and commissioning of important capital projects at the MTCs, staffing for the new Trauma Unit with Specialist Services at University Hospital Galway (UHG), development of Planned Trauma Care Services at Merlin Park, Galway and Trauma Units at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda and University Hospital Waterford.

To support the delivery of trauma services, the HSE National Office for Trauma Services has developed a number of guideline documents, including a Pre-Hospital Triage Tool which can help to identify major trauma patients and bypass protocols to ensure patients are brought to the most appropriate place for treatment.

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly to provide further details on the implementation of the Strategy.

Question No. 246 answered with Question No. 245.