Liz McManus
Question:613 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of the health budget for 1998 devoted to acute hospital services; and if he will give similar figures for each of the previous five years. [2168/98]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
The estimated figures for programme expenditure for 1998 have not yet been finalised. The following table shows the estimated expenditure on the general hospital programme as a percentage of the estimated non-capital health expenditure for the years 1993-97.
|
Year |
% |
|
1997 |
51 |
|
1996 |
51 |
|
1995 |
50 |
|
1994 |
50 |
|
1993 |
51 |
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:614 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the increased levels of overcrowding at the County Hospital in Naas, County Kildare; if he will now indicate the areas within the hospital currently used for treatment of patients which were not custom built for this purpose; the indications, if any, he has received in recent times of the degree to which overcrowding regularly takes place in the hospital; if his attention has further been drawn to the most expeditious method by which a comprehensive and satisfactory resolution can be found to address this problem in the short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2228/98]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:619 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has now approved in full the development programme for the extension to Naas Hospital, County Kildare; if he has made the necessary financial provision for this work to start immediately; if he has identified the starting date; if not, the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2244/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 614 and 619 together.
I have now approved the Revised Phase II Development Brief for Naas General Hospital. Following detailed discussions between my Department and the Eastern Health Board, I have agreed to the extension of the brief, as compared with the board's original proposal.
As now approved, the brief incorporates the following additional provisions: additional general medical and surgical ward — 31 beds; Department of Medicine for the Elderly; Day Services Unit; Department of Radiology; Operating Department; and Department of Physical Medicine. The detailed planning of this major new development is now proceeding rapidly. Financial provision has been made in my Department's capital budget and the hospital authorities are now engaged in a process of consultation with the hospital staff regarding the draft development control plan drawings. The Eastern Health Board has assured me that the development is being progressed as quickly as possible.
I am aware that the Hospital continues to experience overcrowding problems. The task of addressing these problems in the short term is a matter for the Eastern Health Board in the first instance and the board has implemented a number of initiatives to ease the difficulties being experienced. These include the provision of a dedicated day ward, the provision of an observation unit to accommodate up to 13 patients, the appointment of a bed manager and the creation of two additional consultant posts.
In order to alleviate space pressures in the hospital, there have been changes in the use of some areas. The board is confident that the completion of phase II of the hospital development will address all of the problems currently being encountered. In the interim, the hospital manager, in consultation with the Director of Nursing and the Medical Advisory Committee, will continue to consider all options open to them to deal with any difficulties which may arise.
Austin Deasy
Question:616 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of the first phase of the replacement hospital for St Joseph's, Dungarvan, County Waterford which is now nearing completion. [2230/98]
The total cost of the new 27 bed nursing unit at St. Joseph's Hospital, Dungarvan, is £1.5 million inclusive of fees and equipping costs.