Vol. 576 No. 3
112 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children his future plans for long stay geriatric patients in the Bandon area; and his views on the fact that present facilities in Bandon Community Hospital are insufficient. [29632/03]
The provision of health services in Bandon is a matter for the Southern Health Board. The board has indicated that the enlargement of Bandon Community Hospital from 23 beds to 40 beds is included in the board's programme for services for older people, to be carried out under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The project involves the redesign of the existing accommodation and the addition of new accommodation to provide an integrated 40 bed hospital to meet present day standards of care.
My Department is at present 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 Southern Health Board regarding the proposed development at Bandon Community Hospital in light of the board's overall capital funding priorities.
