Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 May 1995

Vol. 452 No. 4

Written Answers. - St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny.

Liam Aylward

Question:

40 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health when approval will be given to the South-Eastern Health Board for the provision of a coronary care unit at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, as part of the overall plan for the development of services for this hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8128/95]

Liam Aylward

Question:

41 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has for the provision of additional medical beds at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, in view of the serious overcrowding and as a sufficient number of medical beds are not available for the level of services demanded by the public and general practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8129/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 41 together. The provision of hospital services in Kilkenny is a matter for the South-Eastern Health Board in the first instance. However, in relation to St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, a major development has recently been completed at a cost of approximately £6 million. This development included three theatres, three maternity delivery suites, a 20 bed paediatric unit and an intensive care unit.

In 1994 an additional £780,000 was allocated for the commissioning of this new development and a further £100,000 has been made available in 1995. Towards the end of 1994, 12 extra beds were brought into operation for medical patients. New coronary care equipment amounting to £71,000 was also sanctioned.

At present, proposals are at an advanced stage for the development of a 45 bed acute psychiatric unit at St. Luke's Hospital. The question of the provision of further services at this hospital will be considered as sympathetically as possible in the context of the many competing demands for resources.