Dick Spring
Question:119 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health his plans for the future of Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, County Meath; and if there are any proposals for altering its status in the future.
Written Answers. - Navan (Meath) Hospital.
Dick Spring
Question:120 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health when he will make the promised funds available for the up-grading of facilities at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, County Meath.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the development of services at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan is a matter for the North-Eastern Health Board in the first instance.
I am aware of the important and valuable role which Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, plays in the provision of health services to the local community. I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to ensuring the hospital will continue to play an important part in the overall provision of hospital services in the north-Eastern Health Board region.
The Deputy will be pleased to learn that, following a meeting I had with a deputation from the North-Eastern Health Board earlier this year, I conveyed approval to the completion of the planning of the new Out-Patient Department, at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. I also informed the deputation that the project will be treated as a high priority in the allocation of capital resources in 1993.
Dick Spring
Question:121 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health when the necessary finance will be made available for the building of the 25 bed acute psychiatric unit at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, County Meath.
The planning of an acute psychiatric unit at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan is proceeding in parallel with the planning of a new out-patients' department at the hospital. The scope for siting both facilities on the hospital campus is being examined jointly by the North Eastern Health Board and my Department. The resolution of this issue will allow planning to proceed prior to inviting tenders for the construction of both facilities.
Funding for the project will depend on the availability of capital resources and other competing priorities but I do attach a very high priority to the provision of such facilities so that the closure of the old psychiatric hospital can be facilitated.