Finian McGrath
Question:401 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding future development of the Orthopaedic Hospital, Clontarf, Dublin 3; and if this project will be moved forward. [11349/03]
Written Answers. - Hospitals Building Programme.
Finian McGrath
Question:481 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has approved the capital funding in 2003 for phase 2 at the Orthopaedic Hospital in Clontarf; and if this hospital will receive maximum support and assistance to develop its excellent services. [11943/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 401 and 481 together.
The brief for phase 2 of the Orthopaedic Hospital in Clontarf has been written and approved by my Department. The proposed development includes the replacement of 32 orthopaedic rehabilitation beds and relocation of paramedical services, the out-patient department and associated clinical and non-clinical services. Also included is the development of a 64-bed secondary rehabilitation unit for older persons. The development will increase the total bed complement of the hospital to 160 beds in line with the Government's strategy to increase bed capacity generally throughout the health system. The design team has been selected using the appropriate EU procurement guidelines.
At present, approval to progress this project is currently being considered by my Department in the context of a review of health capital projects under the national development plan. It is expected that this review will be completed shortly. My Department will then be in a position to discuss with the Eastern Regional Health Authority the question of progressing this project in the light of capital priorities overall within the authority's area and in line with funding resources available under the NDP.
Question No. 402 answered with Question No. 123.
Question No. 403 answered with Question No. 59.