asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to provide an extension to St. Luke's Hospital, County Kilkenny, where severe overcrowding is occurring in both medical and surgical wards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - County Kilkenny Hospital .
670.
: I am aware of the problem of overcrowding at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny. A new 14-bed extension to the hospital is nearing completion and I am hopeful. that the provision of these extra beds will significantly relieve the problem there.
The South Eastern Health Board have recently written to my Department proposing a further limited development at the hospital consisting of two operating theatres, obstetric delivery facilities and some paediatric accommodation.
When the development control plan for this hospital was being drawn up it provided for a first phase development accommodating the catering department, theatres, the central sterile supply department and an intensive care unit. The inclusion of these departments in the proposed first phase of the development presumably indicated the health board's priorities at that time. The recent proposals, however, indicate that a different set of priorities has emerged. In these circumstances I feel that the development control plan should be reviewed to take account of the changed views of the board and to allow a more flexible response to the limited capital resources which are available.
I am aware of the pressing need for an improvement in theatre and obstetric delivery facilities especially, and these issues can be dealt with in the discussions on the development control plan which my officials will be having shortly with the board.