Batt O'Keeffe
Question:117 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding for the expansion of the accident and emergency services at Cork University Hospital. [7924/97]
Written Answers. - Hospital Facilities.
Limerick East): As the Deputy will be aware, a Working Group on the Reorganisation of Accident and Emergency Services in Cork was established by the Southern Health Board in May 1995 to review the organisation and deliver of accident and emergency services in Cork. The group met on a number of occassions under the chairmanship of Mr. Stephen Cusack, A & E consultant at Cork University Hospital. The group completed its report in March 1996 and I understand that its recommendations have been endorsed by the Southern Health Board, subject to a small number of modifications. A copy of the report was forwarded for consideration within my Department at the end of last year.
Preliminary discussions have already taken place between officials of my Department and the Southern Health Board, to clarify the resource implications, priorities and time scale involved. I understand that the board has made provision in its 1997 allocation to Cork University Hospital for an initial investment in the A & E department to meet priority capital and equipping needs.