Major rearrangement of hospital services confirmed

A MAJOR rearrangement of hospital services was confirmed yesterday amid confusion about how patients and staff will be affected.

In a departure from the recommendations of the controversial Hanly Report on reform of the health service, all hospitals will now be grouped in four large networks defined by geographical location.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) described the move simply as "greater co-ordination within the four regions" South, West, Dublin-Mid Leinster and Dublin-North East.