Thomas Gould
Question:9. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the timeline and delivery of the elective hospital and the regional eye care facility in Cork. [26659/23]
View answerThursday, 1 June 2023
Questions (9)
Written answers
Last December, the Government approved the next stage of the Enhanced Provision of Elective Care Programme and progression of the development of new Elective Hospitals with the preferred location in Cork being St Stephen’s Hospital. The HSE is currently developing a detailed project brief, procurement strategy and pre-tender business cases – which will be submitted to me for approval later this year. A design team is taking forward the design process, site investigations are progressing and engagement with local Planning authorities will commence shortly. I expect the Elective Hospitals to receive their first patients in 2027. In relation to the eye care facility, a Regional Eye Care Service is currently under development to serve the Cork and Kerry area. This involves collaboration between Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, South/Southwest Hospital Group, and South Infirmary Victoria Hospital. The service will be based at the new Primary Community Care Centre in Ballincollig. It will provide a designated specialised infrastructure for community procedures related to ophthalmology. The building in Ballincollig is operational and ready for equipping to deliver the Integrated Eye Care Service. Recruitment is underway, and the provision of a preliminary service at the new site is due to begin in July. Additionally, supporting this, a new ophthalmology unit at South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital including two operating theatres is planned to open in June.
Questions Nos. 10 and 11 answered orally.