asked the Minister for Health the exact position regarding the provision of an orthopaedic centre at Athlone Hospital, which he announced 12 months ago; when it is expected work will commence and that it will be open and functioning; if forward finance has been provided for by the Government for such a project in Athlone over and above the normal Midland Health Board budget allocation; and if there is provision in such a proposed centre for casualty service in Athlone.
Written Answers. - Athlone Hospital.
555.
Following my decision to establish an elective orthopaedic unit at Athlone District Hospital a design team was appointed to plan the development. The design team has now produced stage 3 plans (i.e. sketch design and cost plan) and these have been submitted to the Department. It will take at least a further 12 months to complete the detailed planning.
I am currently finalising details of the capital programme for the next three years and at this stage it is not possible to give an accurate indication when work will commence or when the unit can be commissioned.
The major casualty service for the Athlone area will continue to be provided at Mullingar General Hospital and also at Portiuncula Hospital but when the orthopaedic unit comes on stream it is expected that it will be able to cope with an increased level of casualty cases from the area.