Phil Hogan
Question:166 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to build a new community hospital at Castlecomer, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27993/03]
Written Answers. - Hospitals Building Programme.
As the Deputy is aware, responsibility for the provision of health services in the Kilkenny area rests with the South-Eastern Health Board in the first instance. I wish to advise the Deputy that the South-Eastern Health Board included a proposal to replace the existing hospital in Castlecomer with a new 34 bed hospital as part of its national development plan 2000-2006.
I wish to further advise the Deputy that in July 2003 the South-Eastern Health Board developed four additional long-stay beds at Castlecomer District Hospital which increased the bed capacity at the hospital to 33 beds. Currently there are ten long-stay patients at the hospital with the remaining 23 beds being used for short-term care, respite care etc.
The South-Eastern Health Board also carried out major refurbishment at Castlecomer District Hospital including the provision of additional bed accommodation with ensuite facilities, provision of a new dayroom, general upgrading including painting and lighting, improved nurses station and nurse on call facilities.
My Department is currently examining the health capital programme for 2004 and beyond to ascertain what new projects can be progressed through either planning or construction stages, taking account of existing commitments and overall funding resources available. It is in this context that my Department will continue to liaise with the South-Eastern Health Board regarding the proposed development at Castlecomer Hospital in the light of the board's overall capital funding priorities.
Phil Hogan
Question:167 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the first phase of the Community Hospital at St. Luke's General Hospital, Kilkenny, will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27994/03]
As the Deputy is aware, responsibility for the provision of health services in the Kilkenny area rests with the South-Eastern Health Board in the first instance.
A draft design brief is currently being prepared by the project team for St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, which I visited recently. This draft design brief will set out the broad scope of the future developments to be considered on the campus of the hospital including the first phase of the community hospital.
On receipt of the completed brief, my Department will consider with the South-Eastern Health Board the question of progressing this project in the light of capital priorities overall within the board's area and in line with funding resources available under the NDP.