asked the Minister for Health when work will commence on the 45-bed medical unit (stage 11) at Tullamore general hospital, County Offaly, as documentation was submitted to his Department on 19 December 1980; and if he will now authorise the health board to proceed with the work as the additional beds are an urgent necessity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tullamore General Hospital Accommodation.
17.
A development control plan in relation to the new 45-bed medical unit at Tullamore Hospital has been submitted to my Department and is currently under consideration. However, I am not in a position to say when the development work can proceed.
I am at present reviewing the entire health capital medium-term programme in the context particularly of the revenue implications of the projects included in it, the contractual commitments already entered into and the priorities of the health agencies. Pending the outcome of this review it is not possible to say when I can give sanction for the development to proceed. Realistically, in the present economic circumstances, I cannot see any prospect of the work commencing in the short to medium term.
I might mention here that the Midland Health Board's top priority for Tullamore is the provision of a theatre, mortuary and autopsy room at the hospital. I will give this development very serious consideration in the review of the capital programme.