asked the Minister for Health whether he still envisages the erection of a new Dublin voluntary hospital, or any hospital, at the Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot site; and, if not, how he considers that the people of this area which is bigger than Waterford city will be adequately served hospital-wise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyfermot (Dublin) Hospital.
3.
The question of the hospital services required for the south city area is dealt with in the report of the consultative council on the general hospital services which envisages the development of a regional hospital on the Elm Park site and a general hospital of not more than 500 acute care beds in St. Kevin's Hospital. The report also visualises that it may become necessary at a future date to have a second community hospital in South Dublin.
Both my predecessor and myself have indicated our acceptance, in principle, of the recommendations in the report and the hospital authorities concerned, that is the Dublin Health Authority, the Federated Dublin Voluntary Hospitals and St. Vincent's Hospital, in association with their medical staffs, are at present actively considering the matter. When I have received and considered their views, I would hope to be in a position to indicate specifically the programme for general hospital development in south Dublin. The Deputy can rest assured that whatever decisions are made in regard to the location of the main hospital centres, the facilities which will be provided will be adequate to cater for the whole population of the whole area.