St. Ita's Hospital provides services for an elderly population of more than 7,500 persons in the west Limerick area. The main structure of the building was constructed around 1840 and the remainder was constructed in 1975. As it is an old building it would require large scale development to provide high quality services for older people.
St. Ita's Hospital caters for 127 patients in continuing care. It has eight rehabilitation in-patient beds. However, this is inadequate and, based on the population, the recommended norm would be 24 beds. The hospital also has six beds for respite services which is totally inadequate for the level of respite care to be provided. It has out-patient physiotherapy services for those over 65 years of age on a needs basis and occupational therapy services.
I live in Newcastle West and have always been aware of the excellent service provided by the staff of St. Ita's Hospital. Over the past five years it has been agreed that a 16 bed Alzheimer's-dementia unit has to be provided. The present situation is most unsatisfactory and causes much inconvenience to staff and patients. Over the past four years we have had successive visits by the former Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Cowen, the current Minister, Deputy Martin, and the Taoiseach. There is an awareness of the necessity for this building.
There is much disappointment that valuable time has slipped by and not a sod has been turned on the site for this essential building. Recent newspaper articles indicate the building was not included in the national programme for development. It would be a disaster if this essential project was to be deferred. I understand the project is at the design stage, but will the Minister of State indicate when construction will commence and confirm that appropriate finance will be provided?
I call on the Minister of State to confirm to the Mid-Western Health Board that finance will be provided. I will continue to pressurise the Government on this matter. The ongoing delay is unacceptable and unfair to the patients and staff of St. Ita's Hospital. I hope the Minister of State will give me the appropriate assurance that this project will go ahead. I look forward to his reply.