Vol. 576 No. 6
199 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the inadequate facilities that exist in the paediatrics unit in Sligo General Hospital; the funding that has been allocated and timescale envisaged for the implementation of changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30204/03]
Responsibility for the provision of services at Sligo General Hospital rests with the North-Western Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to examine the matters raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
200 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children when the new accident and emergency at James Connolly Memorial Hospital will be fully operational; and if funding for this purpose has been provided in the 2004 Estimates. [30206/03]
201 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children when all the remaining new beds at James Connolly Memorial Hospital will be opened for use; and if money has been provided for this purpose in the 2004 Estimates. [30207/03]
202 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children when the further planned investment programme for James Connolly Memorial Hospital will be undertaken; and the timetable for its various elements. [30208/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 to 202, inclusive, together.
Responsibility for the provision of services at James Connolly Memorial Hospital rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. With regard to the overall project development, my Department is advised that construction of phase 1 of the new development at James Connolly Memorial Hospital is now complete with the exception of some snagging work which is being carried out by the contractors. This major development is being funded jointly by the Northern Area Health Board, through the sale of surplus lands, and my Department. The projected full project cost is €101.4 million. This includes an amount of €5 million approved earlier this year to facilitate refurbishment works at the hospital which are necessary as part of the transition process to the new hospital and to facilitate a land transfer in line with the project development arrangements.
My Department has been advised by the ERHA of recent progress in commissioning the new facilities, including for example, the transfer of the coronary care and cardiac unit, the therapeutic psychiatry of old age day hospital and the rheumatology service to the new building. The further commissioning of this development will need to be considered by the ERHA and the Northern Area Health Board having regard to the overall level of funding available in 2004.
