Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 5

Written Answers. - Hospitals Building Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

248 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the current position in regard to the Naas Hospital development and construction programme; if the project is on target in regard to the schedule of works and timescale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15074/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Phase 2 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 2, 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 2 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 3; on-call accommodation – brought forward from phase 3; stores – brought forward from phase 3.

I am advised that progress on phase 2 is 19 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, phase 3, of the Naas General Hospital development has been given.

Phase 3 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 and lodged a planning application with the local authority last month. Construction is targeted to commence in mid 2002 with a completion date of June 2004.