Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospitals Building Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

145 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Naas Hospital construction project is progressing according to schedule; if days have been lost due to industrial disputes; if so, the number of man days lost through such disputes; if it is anticipated that the works will be completed on schedule and in accordance with expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19502/01]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

146 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the action he has taken to improve conditions in Naas Hospital, with particular reference to making special provision during the course of the hospital building programme; if adequate provision has been or will be made to facilitate the various disciplines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19503/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.

Services for eligible patients at Naas General Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. Naas has a 95 bed acute general hospital which also has 13 observation beds attached to its accident and emergency department. Capital funding of £45 million is being provided under the national development plan to meet the cost of phase 2 of the major redevelopment of the hospital.

On completion of phase 2, the hospital bed complement will increase to 189 beds, including 25 day beds and 30 beds in the acute psychiatric unit provided under phase 1.

I am advised by the authority that the development works are approximately 19 weeks behind schedule. I understand that this delay has arisen due to inclement weather over the winter period, staff resourcing difficulties and industrial action by building workers. The precise number of man days lost due to the latter has not yet been quantified. I would like to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to bring the project back on schedule. I would also like to assure him that substantial high quality interim temporary accommodation has been put in place, following consultation with staff, to facilitate the development works.

I am aware that staff at the hospital recently engaged in an unofficial protest to highlight overcrowding conditions at Naas General Hospital. I am confident that hospital management and staff will continue to work together to respond to any difficulties presenting and to ensure that a high quality service continues to be provided to patients in the best working conditions possible, pending the completion of the major development works which I have outlined.