Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

275 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in relation to the hospital services plan within the South Eastern Health Board area; the plan for the site of St. Canice's Hospital Kilkenny; the plans for the development of services at Kilcreene Hospital, Kilkenny; and the time frame for the plans in this regard. [21973/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The provision of health services in Kilkenny is a matter for the South Eastern Health Board. I have had inquiries made of the board and been advised that it is pursuing the development of St. Luke's Hospital as part of the Kilkenny hospital plan. Under the national development plan approximately £43 million is to be provided for the Kilkenny hospital plan for the development of a 45 bed acute psychiatric unit, a coronary care unit and a building for a CT scanner. A project team has been appointed to oversee the next phase of the development which will include a community hospital, ward refurbishment-replacement and the development of the accident and emergency and out-patients departments.

With regard to St. Canice's Hospital, it is intended that mentally ill patients will be transferred to the new acute psychiatric unit at St. Luke's, mentally handicapped patients will be transferred to a new purpose built 21 bed unit at Kilcreene Hospital and extended care will be provided for approximately 60 patients in alterna tive accommodation. A high support unit is currently under construction at Kilcreene Hospital for children with special needs and there is also provision for a new regional ambulance control centre, and general refurbishment.

Regarding the site of St. Canice's, the board advises that, in accordance with the Kilkenny hospital plan, potential for future development on the site is limited. I have been assured that the board intends to seek the maximum economic return from any surplus lands and, to reinvest any realised assets in the provision of health services within the city and county.