Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospital Equipment.

Billy Timmins

Question:

221 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children when a CAT scan will be installed at St. Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown, County Dublin; if the necessary infrastructure is in place to house it; and if the staffing provisions have been made to operate the equipment. [17956/97]

Billy Timmins

Question:

222 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, there are for the upgrading of the X-ray department and day ward facility at St. Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown, County Dublin. [17957/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 222 together.

I have approved funding of £475,000 to the Eastern Health Board towards the purchase of a CT scanner for St. Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown. This new equipment will serve to enhance the level of service to patients at St. Columcille's Hospital and is an indication of the Government's commitment to the continued development of acute hospital services in the region.

The Eastern Health Board has also submitted proposals to my Department for the further development of the radiology department and a new day services department at St. Columcille's Hospital. The submission is being examined within my Department, in consultation with the Eastern Health Board.