asked the Minister for Health if plans are prepared for the provision of a new kitchen, a new laundry, new stores and new dining hall at St. Columba's Hospital, Sligo; when work will start; and if plans are now completed for the provision of accommodation for the nursing staff as nurses have now to be accommodated all over the hospital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sligo Hospital.
12.
Proposals for the provision of a new kitchen, stores and dining accommodation have been approved. The buildings are to be erected on a site at present occupied by some existing buildings at the rere of the hospital including the boiler house and laundry which are to be replaced. It will not be possible to commence work on the new kitchen and the other approved accommodation until the site has been cleared. The planning of a new central boiler house to serve St. Columba's Hospital and other buildings in the vicinity is in the final stages and planning is expected to be completed in about three months. Tenders can then be invited for the work which it is expected will take about nine months to complete. It is not the intention to provide a new comprehensive laundry building as it is expected that laundry services for St. Columba's Hospital and other health institutions can be provided far more effectively on a centralised basis.
Sketch plans for accommodation for nurses at St. Columba's Hospital were submitted to the Department last October. Because of cost implications it was necessary to prepare revised plans. These were submitted on 13th instant and are being examined. A decision will be conveyed to the health authority at an early date.