asked the Minister for Health if he will state what progress has been made in the erection of a women's hospital for Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Women's Hospital for Cork.
It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the proposed new maternity hospital to replace the Erinville Lying-In Hospital. Before that project could proceed it was necessary to make arrangements for the integration of the hospital services for maternity cases provided in Cork by voluntary effort and by the local authorities. For this purpose the trustees of the Erinville Lying-In Hospital submitted an application for an establishment Order under the Hospitals Act, 1939. In view of the local objections to the application, it was decided to defer making an Order pending further review of the general position. The secretary to the hospital authority was so informed on the 28th January last.
In the meantime, steps were recommended to be taken towards the provision by the South Cork Board of Assistance of additional temporary accommodation for maternity patients in the Cork area. Proposals submitted in this connection by the local authority were referred by my Department to the Hospitals Commission. The report of the commission is at present being examined.