Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 7

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Máirín Quill

Question:

168 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health the submissions, if any, he has received from the Cork branch of the Post-Natal Distress Group on their request for a mother and baby unit in the maternity complex planned for Cork University Hospital; if so, the consideration, if any, he has given to the submission; if he will support their request and ensure that such a unit would form part of any new maternity complex in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8372/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): As the Deputy will be aware, during 1996 my Department gave the go ahead to the establishment of a project team comprising medical, nursing, technical and managerial personnel to plan the design of the new amalgamated obstetric unit on the site of the Cork University Hospital.

The project team has commissioned an extensive study of the views of women who have utilised maternity services in Cork and their views will be fully taken into account in planning this new unit. In addition, the project team is in the process of meeting interested groups and the Post-Natal Distress Group will have an opportunity to meet with the chairman of the project team in order to outline its specific requirements.