Vol. 474 No. 6
35 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the current use of St. Bricin's Hospital; the likely future use of this hospital; if he will give a breakdown of the capacity of the hospital; the consideration, if any, he has given to maximising the capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3404/97]
St. Bricin's Hospital, which caters for personnel from all units of the Defence Forces, has a total of 64 beds and an operating theatre. As well as inpatient treatment, including general surgery, the hospital also provides out-patient treatment, dental, x-ray, physiotherapy, psychiatric, ENT, pharmaceutical and sports injury services.
There are no plans to alter the status of St. Bricin's Hospital. Under the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan which was approved by the Government on 5 March 1996 St. Bricin's Hospital, as one of a number of specialised services forming a Defence Forces logistics base, will provide general medical, surgical, some specialist services and medical supplies to the Defence Forces.
The activities of the Army medical corps are under continuous review in order to ensure that efficient and effective medical services, including those provided at St. Bricin's Hospital, are available to the membership of the Defence Forces.
