Hospital Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 April 2004

Tuesday, 6 April 2004

Questions (204)

Richard Bruton

Question:

295 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if a feasibility study has been undertaken to assess the possibility of converting St. Bricin’s Military Hospital to use as a civilian step-down facility; the current bed capacity of St. Bricin’s; the current in-patient occupancy rate of its capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10547/04]

Written answers

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

St. Bricin's Hospital is funded by the Department of Defence and, accordingly, the statistical information requested by the Deputy is not held by my Department.

The issue of converting St. Bricin's to use as a civilian step-down facility is a matter, in the first instance, for the Department of Defence in consultation with the Eastern Regional Health Authority which has responsibility for the provision of health and personal social services for persons resident in counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow. In this regard, I understand that a study has been undertaken by the Northern Area Health Board to examine the feasibility of making facilities at St. Bricin's available to public patients. Following detailed consideration and advice from technical experts, the board concluded that the proposal was not viable.