asked the Minister for Health when the extension work will start at St. Columba's Hospital, Sligo, as there is a great need to have a laundry provided there immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sligo Hospital.
93.
Presumably the Deputy has in mind the mental health authority's proposals for replacing certain old buildings at the rear of the main block of St. Columba's Hospital, Sligo. These proposals involve, mainly, the provision of a new central boilerhouse and laundry in other locations, thus to make way for the erection, subsequently, of a new central kitchen at the rear of the main block. The proposed siting of the new boilerhouse has been agreed to and I understand that the mental health authority's consulting engineer is at present carrying out some preliminary investigations regarding the type of boiler installation required before he proceeds with the design work. It is not yet possible to say when building work on the new boilerhouse will start.
As to the proposed replacement of the present laundry at St. Columba's Hospital, this must be considered in relation to the future organisation of laundry services for hospitals and other health institutions. Pending further consideration of the matter generally, it is not possible to indicate at this stage what improved provision should be made for laundry services at this hospital.
94.
asked the Minister for Health when improvements will be carried out on Saint John's Hospital, Sligo; and if such improvements have been sanctioned by his Department.
As I have already explained in my reply to the Deputy's previous Question on 28th March last, the local Health Authority propose to carry out, with my approval, a major scheme of improvements at St. John's Hospital, Sligo. Substantial progress has been made on the general planning of the scheme. Draft working drawings, prepared by the Health Authority's architect, and recently submitted to my Department are being examined and will be cleared as quickly as possible in order that the remaining stages of planning may proceed. It is not yet possible to say when work on the scheme will commence, but it is expected that the project will be ready for the invitation of tenders early next year.