asked the Minister for Health the reason for down-grading Cavan General Hospital, County Cavan, from a 273 bed hospital to a 150 bed hospital; the reason for the continued delay in opening this hospital; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the intended services to be provided in the hospital are not available in the region and that grave unnecessary hardship is being inflicted on the people of Cavan as a result of the general hospital remaining unopened; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the budget of £600,000 for the opening of the hospital is being reduced daily by heating and other costs in the unoccupied hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Cavan General Hospital.
22.
I am glad to state that the opening of the new general hospital at Cavan is being accomplished quickly and in accordance with a schedule agreed by the North Eastern Health Board as follows:—
|
LaboratoryLaundryEnergy CentreRadiologyOut-PatientsDepartment |
Already open |
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SurgeryGynaecologyMedicineObstetrics |
Week commencing 5June 1989 |
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Coronary CareIntensive CarePsychiatry |
Early August 1989 |
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Paediatrics |
October 1989 |
I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the provision of new specialties at Cavan on the opening of the new hospital which represents a substantial upgrading of the hospital service for the area. A paediatric service will be established at Cavan and in addition a new acute psychiatric unit of 32 beds will be opened later this year.
The hospital will also have enhanced facilities in the area of coronary and intensive care which will significantly improve the standard of service available for patients.
In addition hostel accommodation will be provided for families of very ill patients.
Because of the upgrading of services extra staff will be required and I have approved the appointment of 46 additional staff for the new hospital.
I wish to make it clear that there has been no delay in the opening of the hospital. The Deputy must understand that it takes a considerable length of time to equip and commission a facility of this nature and complexity.
Cavan General Hospital is a high quality facility even by international standards and I cannot understand how anybody could represent the opening of such an excellent facility as a down-grading.