Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
552. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the level of additional core expenditure for new developments, excluding funding for carryover and otherwise maintaining existing levels of services, which have been allocated to Ennis Hospital.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53531/23]
View answerFollowing the announcement of the budget allocation for my Department, I have now issued a Letter of Determination to the HSE outlining my priorities and funding levels for 2024. This will be the basis on which the HSE will draw up its National Service Plan (NSP) for 2024. It is not until the conclusion of this process that a detailed breakdown of expenditure will be available.
There has been significant recent investment in Ennis General Hospital, and in particular in the redevelopment of the hospital buildings. This has included:
• A new purpose-built €2m Injury Unit opened in April 2022, replacing an existing unit that had operated out of the main hospital building since 2013. The new Unit has brought an immediate improvement in the clinical environment and experience for healthcare staff and the thousands of patients who use this service every year.
• The equipping of the new Outpatient Department, including the provision of an X-ray room and other diagnostics, completed in 2022 and representing an investment of €1.29m.
• A further €9.95m approved for a new theatre block, including two operating theatres and associated accommodation.
• Funding of €5.2m in 2023 to enable Medical Assessment Units at Ennis General Hospital, Nenagh and St John's to operate seven days per week. This is funding an additional 20 full time staff posts at Ennis General Hospital, significantly increasing the number of slots available for patients to receive medical assessment.
The investment to date reflects my ongoing commitment to driving improvements to services for people in the Mid-West region.
