John Dennehy
Question:255 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to plans for the development of cardiology services at Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15055/99]
Written Answers. - Cardiac Services.
The provision of cardiology services at Cork University Hospital is a matter for the Southern Health Board in the first instance. My Department has been working in close collaboration with the Southern Health Board for the past two years on developing a major capital project in Cork University Hospital which will see a major expansion to the existing cardiac service at the hospital. Earlier this year I appointed a project team to oversee this development. The project team is in the process of developing the outline brief and, when I receive this brief, I will then be in a position to approve the next stage of this development.
In the past four years a second cardiac surgeon was appointed at Cork University and this year I approved the appointment of a further cardiologist at the South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital. In addition, I approved a grant of £400,000 for additional equipment at Cork University Hospital. I am committed to the continuation of developments of cardiology services in the Southern Health Board in the context of the overall cardiovascular strategy.