Vol. 522 No. 4
151 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to the proposed new cystic fibrosis unit in St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin 4; the length of time an application for funding is with his Department; the current position in this regard; if the plan has been approved; if funding has been approved; when work is due to start; and when patients can expect to avail of the facilities of this much wanted new unit. [19092/00]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a major redevelopment programme has been approved for St. Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park. As part of phase 1 of this development a new purpose-built cystic fibrosis unit will be provided. Other areas of the hospital to be developed during phase 1 include: accident and emergency department; intensive care unit; radiology and nuclear medicine; pathology; psychiatry; administration and concourse; operating theatre frame.
Construction work on the project is due to start in September this year at a cost in excess of £70 million. The work will continue to June 2004 and the development will be fully commissioned by December 2004. The development when completed will significantly enhance the level of service provided to patients from south-east Dublin and east Wicklow.
