Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Ivan Yates

Question:

449 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give details of the redevelopment programme, if any, and the capital to be invested at St. John's Hospital, Enniscorthy, County Wexford; if he will ensure, through his Department officials and the South-Eastern Health Board, that this hospital is given priority status in future financial allocations; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the widespread concern that the hospital is being downgraded by stealth. [9144/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

The provision of hospital services at St. John's Hospital, Enniscorthy, is a matter in the first instance for the South-Eastern Health Board.

A project team was established by the board and my Department to plan the redevelopment of services at St. John's Hospital. A planning brief has been prepared and forwarded to my Department for approval. The question of approving this brief and the appointment of a design team will be considered in the light of the availability of capital resources.

In the meantime, the South-Eastern Health Board has continued the upgrading and refurbishment of ward accommodation in St. John's Hospital.