Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2024
34. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 10 of 9 November 2023, the exact level of additional core expenditure for new developments, excluding funding for carryover and otherwise maintaining existing levels of service, which has been allocated to Monaghan Hospital for 2024. [1957/24]
View answer54. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to outline the investment and enhancement in services at a hospital (details supplied) since becoming Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1937/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 54 together.
As Minister for Health I am committed to the development of regional hospitals such as Monaghan. There has been a massive increase in investment in recent years, as the budget for the hospital has increased by 46% from €8.4m in 2020 to €12.3m in 2023. Staffing has increased from 102 in 2020 to 164 in 2023, a 60% increase.
• The Minor Injury Unit is now open 7 days a week since last July.
• Expansion in 2021, with a 23 bed intermediate care ward, endoscopy facilities, and an ECHO and EST room for cardiac patients.
• Third ultrasound room delivered in 2022.
• New stepdown ward with 8 beds delivered in 2023.
This is part of wider investment in County Monaghan. Last year two new primary care centres opened in Monaghan Town and Clones costing around €28m. Under the Enhanced Community Care Programme two community specialist teams are now working with older people and patients with chronic disease.
Following the announcement of the budget allocation for my Department, I have issued a Letter of Determination to the HSE outlining my priorities and funding levels for 2024. The National Service Plan for 2024 is currently under discussion. It is not until the conclusion of this process that a detailed breakdown of expenditure will be available.
