There's reports that a South East hospital group could be formed.
It's part of huge structural changes to the health service which are believed to be at an advanced stage.
The Sunday Business Post reports that between five and six regional integrated care organisations (RICOs) will be established. The plan is being drawn up by the Sláintecare health reform office.
The newspaper states that a South East RICO, which would include University Hospital Waterford, is being considered. However, the South South West group is believed to be lobbying to keep UHW under its fold.
Seven hospital groups were established in 2013 on foot of the Higgins Report on The Establishment of Hospital Groups as a Transition to Independent Hospital Trusts. Waterford Regional Hospital was aligned with hospitals in Cork, Kerry and South Tipperary. It was renamed University Hospital Waterford in 2014. St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny and Wexford General both linked up with Ireland East Hospital Group which includes St Vincent's and the Mater.
Health Minister Simon Harris told an Oireachtas Committee in October that the existing HSE structure was "not fit for purpose".
