I propose to take Questions Nos. 580, 698 and 736 together.
The provision of medical services to eligible persons in counties Carlow and Kilkenny is the statutory responsibility of the South Eastern Health Board in the first instance.
I understand from the board that the patient referred to by Deputy McGuinness was admitted for emergency care on 5 December 2000, to the gynaecology ward. On the previous day, 4 December 2000, nine elective patients were admitted by the patient's consultant for surgery on 5 December 2000. At the time of admission of the patient, all beds in the gynaecology ward were full. The patient had to be maintained in a bed on the corridor and screens were provided around the bed to improve privacy. The South Eastern Health Board very much regrets that this patient had to be admitted to a bed on a corridor. I also understand that the board has reviewed its admission policy, and is seeking to retain one bed in the gynaecology ward for emergency admissions.
The South Eastern Health Board document Shaping the Future of the Kilkenny Hospital System is the blueprint for the development of St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, as a comprehensive, integrated, quality and efficient hospital, capable of meeting the challenges of the times in a competent and humane manner. The target date set for rationalisation of all hospital services in Kilkenny city into an interactive hospital complex is 2002.
This development plan contains proposals to enhance existing services on the St. Luke's site including general surgery, general medicine, obstetrics, gynaecology, accident and emergency and diagnostic services. It proposes to provide all hospital services on one site in a way that combines ease of access to the public with a cost effective service. The development plans take account of national policy which is to have a strong network of local and general hospitals which serve defined catchment hospital services for general medical and surgical facilities.
