Seán Ryan
Question:13 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will report on his proposals to upgrade the structure and extend services for children in Temple Street Children's Hospital. [18376/01]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
Responsibility for the funding of services at the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority.
I am pleased to have the opportunity to outline a number of recent developments at the Children's Hospital, Temple Street. First, the Deputy will be pleased to note that my Department approved a capital allocation of £1.6 million in 1998 for a new accident and emergency, Department at the hospital. Work on this development has since been completed and the new building became operational in the first week in April 2001.
In addition, I am informed by the authority that St. Philomena's day ward was opened on 17 April this year and occupies the first floor of the accident and emergency wing. This development has increased day capacity at the hospital from 14 to 19 places and will allow for medical day care activity at the hospital in addition to the existing surgical workload. The total cost associated with the construction, staffing and equipment of both departments was £2.7 million. To staff and run the units it will cost £500,000 per annum. I am advised by the authority that both of these departments are now open and functioning well.
The authority also advises that the hospital proposes to extend its old day ward to accommodate a new surgical ward. This ward will have some isolation facilities which will add to the hospitals bed capacity.
There are various other projects in train in the hospital including: refurbishment of the casualty lane, extending the laboratory, extending the outpatient department, extending St. Frances's clinic, upgrading central sterile supply department and formula room, refurbishment of canteen and dining area and upgrading the laundry.
The Deputy will also be aware that within five to seven years the hospital will relocate to the Mater campus. A number of joint project steering groups are already in place and planning has started for the development of facilities on the new site.
I will visit the hospital in the coming weeks to see at first hand the improvement in patient facilities resulting from the significant investment in the hospital infrastructure which I have outlined.