Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Property.

Ivor Callely

Question:

79 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the progress made regarding the potential use of St. Bricin's Hospital, Dublin 7, for public health services; the progress of the working group set up from discussions on 18 December 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7891/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

A number of meetings have taken place between representatives of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA, and this Department for the development of proposals in relation to the potential use of St. Bricin's Hospital for the treatment of civilian patients.

While St. Bricin's Hospital will continue as a military hospital, I have recently agreed with the Minister for Health to provide a civilian medical service at the hospital. The focus of civilian medical service provision at St. Bricin's Hospital will be on the delivery of day case surgery, through the utilization of the operating theatre and 10 day care beds. This will facilitate some 50 "day surgery" cases per week being addressed at the hospital. Care will be provided under the direct personal supervision of consultants, with support staff for the theatre and the ward being supplied by the public health services. Civilian patients treated will be public patients.