asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to an advertisement in a newspaper (details supplied) to the effect that Baggot Street Hospital, Dublin 2 is due to close on 30 November; and if, having regard to the assurances which he has given to Dáil and Seanad Éireann in the course of Adjournment debates to the effect that the hospital would remain open and continue to provide some form of medical services, he will now make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Baggot Street (Dublin) Hospital.
113.
I am not aware of an advertisement in the terms of which the Deputy refers. The advertisement in fact refers to a change of role for the hospital. As I have already made clear, the hospital is not due to close. The consultant-covered acute services which have been provided at the hospital up to now will, from around 14 December, 1987 be provided at St. James's Hospital.
I am very glad to inform the Deputy that agreement has been reached between the board of the Hospital and the Eastern Health Board to provide 50 beds for continuing care, a large health centre and a general practitioner staffed casualty service at the hospital. Arrangements for the provision of these services are being made as a matter of urgency and it is hoped to have them available before the end of the year.