asked the Minister for Health if his Department have considered the immediate need for an increased number of general hospital beds on the north side of Dublin city; and if, in view of the demand for such beds, he will implement the plans for the new St. Laurence's Hospital which his Department sanctioned a number of years ago.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Hospital Beds.
4.
The James Connolly Memorial Hospital Board are at present engaged in the task of developing a general medical and surgical hospital at Blanchardstown. In the first stage of this development 120 general hospital beds will be provided in existing accommodation and plans for the necessary building alterations to facilitate the working of this unit are at an advanced stage. The board hope to commence admitting a limited number of patients about mid-July. This should ease pressure on general hospital beds in north Dublin.
The plans envisaged some years ago for the building of a new St. Laurence's Hospital are no longer relevant taking account of the recommendations in the FitzGerald Report.
Does the Minister not think that, in view of the fact that a site is available on the Navan Road, Dublin, it would be very advisable that a general hospital, the size of the present Richmond Hospital, should be commenced there to provide services in the city and not out in Blanchardstown which is in the county?
I would not agree because, as the Deputy knows, the whole question of the further extension of hospital services is being considered now in connection with proposals that might emanate for joint action by the Mater, Jervis Street and St. Laurence's Hospital for a new regional hospital.
Surely the Minister is aware that you cannot put a specialist or surgical unit into a general hospital?