We will find out later just how much of an overhaul the Irish hospital system will face.

All 49 will be split into 6 regional groups and will see traditional hospital links severed especially in Dublin.

This plan will see a teaching hospital and a medical college within each of the 6 groups. Hospitals in the capital will see some links change especially for the Mater and Rotunda. Others will form new groups with hospitals in other areas.

The Junior Health Minister Kathleen Lynch says at the end of the day, the reorganisation will ensure better patient care and safety.

Patients groups say they hope the overhaul will be the solution to an unacceptable situation in the public health system.

 Biggest ever hospital reorganisation

The Irish Patients Association says it hopes plans to re-organise the hospitals will result in a solution to what it describes as the 'unacceptable situation' which exists within the public health system.

The Health Minister James Reilly has described the move as the biggest ever hospital reorganisation which will deliver better, safer and cost effective services for patients.

Chief Executive of the Irish Patients Association is Stephen McMahon.

"Well I hope that it finally finds a solution to the unacceptable situation in our public hospital system that has gone on for decades - and that's it's not just a case of repositioning deck chairs - or just re-branding it - to make it sound that it's going to do the business" he said.

Consultant Oncologist Professor John Crown told Lunchtime here on Newstalk that we need to think about the bigger picture.