Ivor Callely
Question:58 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the mechanism required for St. Bricin's Hospital to accommodate admission of civilian patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20363/99]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Property.
Ivor Callely
Question:127 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the progress with the refurbishment of ward number five at St Bricin's Hospital; the timescale for the provision of the additional potential 30 beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20344/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 127 together.
As I advised the House earlier this year, a number of meetings have taken place between my Department and the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, with a view to using St. Bricin's Military Hospital as a step down medical facility into which certain categories of civilian patients could be transferred. Agreement in principle was reached on the introduction of a pilot scheme under which up to eight civilian patients would be accommodated in St. Bricin's for periods ranging from seven to ten days. If the pilot scheme is successful it is intended that a long-term arrangement involving up to 20 civilian patients at a time will be put in place.
It was recognised by all of the parties involved that a range of issues would have to be addressed before the pilot scheme could commence and some preparatory work has already been carried out in St. Bricin's in this regard.
Overall responsibility for the health and well-being of civilian patients in this country rests with the Department of Health and Children and it is essential that, in order to discharge its duties and responsibilities, that Department fully satisfies itself concerning all of the arrangements pertaining to the transfer, accommodation and treatment of civilian patients while in St. Bricin's Hospital. The Department of Health and Children has advised the Mater Hospital of its requirements in this regard, and it is understood that the matter is currently being pursued by the hospital authorities. A number of legal and insurance issues must also be resolved.
When the Department of Health and Children has satisfied itself fully with regard to the above requirements, it will formally approach my Department to request that St. Bricin's Hospital provide the facilities described above. In the meantime, I remain committed to the successful implementation of the pilot scheme and the matter will be progressed as quickly as possible.
Following the recent completion of contracting work a total of 53 bed spaces are currently available in St. Bricin's Military Hospital. An additional 27 bed spaces in ward No. 3 are available as reserve in-patient accommodation.
The hospital also has a potential 30 bed spaces in ward No. 5. However this ward is in need of very substantial refurbishment, including repairs to its roof. As sufficient beds are available for the admission of military patients, it is not proposed to carry out this refurbishment work at this time.