Vol. 489 No. 6
446 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will outline the medium to long-term proposals, if any, he has for the future development of Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, County Meath in association with the North Eastern Health Board; and the new developments, if any, planned at the hospital in 1998 with funding from his Department. [9140/98]
The construction of the new medical ward and coronary care unit has been completed at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. Discussions regarding the equipping of the unit have been taking place between the North Eastern Health Board and my Department and the process is now at an advanced stage.
The North Eastern Health Board has identified a number of additional developments for the hospital which, if funding were available, would be phased in over a period of years. These include the provision of a new female medical ward and projects in the accident and emergency department, out-patient department and intensive care unit. The board has also identified proposals in relation to a day hospital for the elderly, kitchen-central dining area and hospital stores. The board proposes that detailed planning of the next phase of these developments will commence shortly following a reassessment of the development control plan in the context of the North Eastern Health Board's priority service developments. The scope for proceeding with each of these projects will be examined in the context of available funding.
