asked the Minister for Health if his Department propose transferring surgery from Merlin Park Hospital, Galway to Galway Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the future use of Merlin Park Hospital.
Written Answers - Merlin Park Hospital, Galway.
46.
The provision of surgical services in Galway is primarily a matter for the Western Health Board in the first instance. All surgical services with the exception of orthopaedics have already been transferred from Merlin Park to Galway Regional Hospital. Current policy is that orthopaedic services should also transfer from Merlin Park to Galway Regional. However, it will take some time to make the necessary arrangements to effect this transfer and in the meantime these services will remain at Merlin Park.
In addition to orthopaedic services some medical and long-stay facilities are currently provided at Merlin Park together with the administration headquarters of the Western Health Board. It is likely that some or all of these facilities will remain at Merlin Park for some time and consequently any alternative future use of Merlin Park Hospital and site does not arise at this stage.