Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Feb 1998

Vol. 486 No. 4

Written Answers. - Hospital Developments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

93 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of beds proposed in the revised development plan for Naas Hospital, County Kildare; if he will outline the number of surgical, medical, geriatric assessment and long stay beds, the precise nature of theatre and ancillary facilities, the medical back-up facilities and radiology facilities; if he will give a date for tender for the start up of site facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2863/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The development brief for Naas General Hospital provides for 164 beds and 35 day places as follows:

General Medicine	30 beds
General Surgery	30 beds
Geriatric Assessment/Rehabilitation	30 beds
plus Day Hospital	10 places
General Medical and Surgical (to provide complementary facilities to medical/surgical, othopaedic/trauma patients having completed their specialised treatment in Tallaght Hospital)	30 beds
Intensive Care	4 beds
Coronary Care	6 beds
Isolation	4 beds (dispersed)
Day Services (Medical/Surgical Anaesthetics)	25 places
Psychiatric (Acute) 30 beds	existing

The operating department will consist of three theatre suites, including one clear air theatre, with appropriate reception and recovery areas. There is also provision in the brief for changing accommodation for both medical and nursing personnel and essential storage facilities.

The medical back-up will include physical medicine, pathology and mortuary/post mortem facilites.

In relation to the proposals for radiology the brief provides for six X-ray diagnostic rooms (one of which will serve the A & E Department) and two ultra sound rooms. Staff in this department are to be provided with appropriate office accommodation. There will also be suitable facilities for patients.

I have been assured by the Eastern Health Board that the planning of this project will continue to be progressed with all possible speed, so that the tender documentation can be prepared at an early date. At this stage, however, a precise starting date has not been specified.