Vol. 559 No. 6
166 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding is included in the Estimates-letter of determination for the opening and operation of the orthopaedic unit at the Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar, in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26839/02]
The provision of orthopaedic services at Mayo General Hospital is part of the Government's bed capacity initiative. I provided an additional €2.9 million revenue funding this year to begin the process of commissioning the additional orthopaedic beds at Mayo General Hospital. I have provided for a further additional €1 million in 2003 to continue the process. My Department will be in discussion with the Western Health Board on this initiative as part of the service planning process for 2003.
