asked the Minister for Health the long term plans which are prepared in his Department and the stage they are at for the long term development of St. Patrick's Hospital, Waterford; and the interim arrangements which can be made to eliminate the fire hazard which exists in St. Patrick's ward of that hospital.
Written Answers. - Waterford Hospital.
19.
The question of formulating long term plans for St. Patrick's Hospital, Waterford, is a matter for the South-Eastern Health Board in the first instance. I understand that the board's long term plan at present is to replace this hospital with a new one on the same site. However, because of limitations on capital funds and other priority developments in the South-Eastern Health Board area this is not feasible at present.
In order to meet the urgent requirements for fire precautions works at this hospital a 30-bed unit is being planned at ground floor level to accommodate the patients who are most at risk on the first floor. In the meantime an evaluation has been made of the requirements for fire precautions works in the remainder of the building and these will be carried out immediately.