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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 5

Written Answers. - Hospitals Development.

Willie Penrose

Question:

84 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he is taking with the Midland Health Board in agreeing the medical and nursing staffing levels for the phase 2A building at Mullingar General Hospital, County Westmeath. [12560/98]

Willie Penrose

Question:

85 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children when the accident and emergency unit in Mullingar General Hospital, County Westmeath will be moved to its new phase 2A building; and when the new phase A will be completed. [12561/98]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 85 together.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the facilities in phase 2A of Longford-Westmeath General Hospital are being brought into use on a phased basis during 1998. To date the out-patient department, day ward, endoscopy suite, medical records and radiology department (apart from the mammography and accident emergency rooms) have been opened.
The accident and emergency department and the remaining rooms in the radiology department are scheduled to open in mid-September, together with the new reception and main entrance. This will complete the process of opening phase 2A.
I am also pleased to tell the Deputy that staffing levels for the development have been agreed following extensive consultation and discussion by the staffing subgroup established with the Midland Health Board. The staffing subgroup comprises senior nursing and consultant medical staff, whose recommendations regarding nursing and medical staff requirements were incorporated in the overall submission made last year to my Department.
I allocated £1.5 million for staffing and related commissioning costs of phase 2A in 1998 and I am glad that this important development is now being brought into use.
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