Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 5

Written Answers. - Medical Aids and Appliances.

Mary Upton

Question:

147 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed in the recent annual report of St. James's Hospital, Dublin, that lack of funding to replace outdated medical equipment is putting patients at potential risk and jeopardising the availability of services; if he has taken steps to establish the extent of the problem across the acute hospital sector; the resources available for the replacement of outdated equipment in the hospital service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27575/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Services at St. James's Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the Eastern Regional Health Authority, and my Department has therefore asked the regional chief executive of the authority to examine the issue and to reply to the Deputy directly.

I am very conscious of the need for additional investment in the minor capital area generally for the health service. In that context, my Department has made available additional minor capital funding, under the national development plan, of €100 million in the current year. In the acute hospital sector the areas being addressed include replacement equipment, health and safety, fire precautions, refurbishment and maintenance of facilities and other local infrastructural upgrades. My Department is advised that the Eastern Regional Health Authority has allocated €1.9 million to St. James's Hospital under that initiative to facilitate a significant replacement equipment programme at the hospital.