Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
862. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health her plans to carry out a formal review of hospital services across the country with a view to upgrading current level three hospitals to level four status in the future; if she will consider upgrading Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda to a level four hospital in view of population growth in the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51821/26]
View answerThe HSE has previously defined the four different hospital models, to provide a clear delineation of hospital services available in each hospital type based on the safe provision of patient care within the constraints of available facilities, staff, resources and local factors. In that regard, Model 4 hospitals provide the same care as Model 3 hospitals, however, they also provide tertiary care for certain specialised services and these typically serve the population at a national and Regional level.
Models of care are determined by the HSE including service delivery and design. In that regard, the HSE would be best placed to provide information in relation to model designation of hospitals across Regions, including Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda. For this reason, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
