Vol. 534 No. 1
166 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress on the provision of the extra facilities at Naas hospital, Naas, County Kildare, the degree to which works are on schedule, if any changes have been made or are contemplated since commencement of the project and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10234/01]
Phase two of the major capital development programme at Naas General Hospital commenced on site in November 1999 and is programmed for completion by mid 2002. Funding for the development is provided for under the national development plan. On completion of phase two, the hospital will have a total of 189 beds, including 25 day beds and 30 beds in the Psychiatric Unit provided under phase 1. Phase two includes the following facilities: main entrance concourse; administration part; medical records department; chaplaincy department; out-patients department; accident and emergency department; physical medicine department (temporary location); radiology department; mortuary/post mortem accommodation; pharmacy department; geriatric day hospital; operating department; day services department; intensive care and coronary care units; in-patients wards; geriatric rehabilitation-assessment ward; staff changing, brought forward from phase III; on call accommodation, brought forward from phase three, and stores brought forward from phase three.
I am advised that progress on phase two is 17 weeks behind schedule. This is due in part, to staff resourcing problems and exceptionally inclement weather. Every effort is being made to bring the project back on schedule.
Approval to proceed with the commencement of the final phase three, of the Naas General Hospital development has been given. Phase three will complete the total hospital development and will include construction-completion of the following departments: administration (completion), pathology, hospital sterile supplies department, central supplies department, catering department, engineering-maintenance department, day services – permanent, physical medicine – permanent out patients department – completion, mortuary and post mortem facilities and waste management department.
The design team is progressing planning documentation for this phase. It is hoped to lodge a planning application with the local authority later this month. construction is targeted to commence in mid 2002, with a completion date of June, 2004.
