asked the Minister for Health if he intends to allocate money for the employment of staff for the new operating theatres being erected at Tullamore Hospital.
Written Answers. - Tullamore Hospital.
453.
A new theatre, mortuary and autopsy room are being constructed at Tullamore Hospital at present. As the new theatre is not due to come into operation until March 1985, the question of allocating funds for the employment of new staff does not arise at this stage. Staffing requirements for the new theatre will, of course, be considered at the appropriate time.
454.
asked the Minister for Health if he intends to appoint a paediatrician to Tullamore Hospital; and if so, when he intends to make such an appointment.
The appointment of a paediatrician to Tullamore has been approved by me and my Department are currently having discussions with officers of the health board to determine how this appointment can be accommodated within the Midland Health Board's revenue allocation. I cannot say at this stage when precisely this appointment will be made but I hope it will be quite soon.
455.
asked the Minister for Health when it is proposed to commence building on the new medical block at Tullamore Hospital.
A development control plan for a new 45-bed medical unit at Tullamore General Hospital has been submitted to the Department and is still under consideration.
The Midland Health Board have given top priority to three projects in the acute hospital area: the provision of a second theatre, mortuary and autopsy room at Tullamore where construction work is now in progress; the overall development of Mullingar General Hospital which is scheduled to start later this year at a cost of £8 million; and the establishment of an elective orthopaedic centre at the District Hospital, Athlone, which is currently in the early stages of planning. I might add also that earlier this year I approved a grant of £300,000 for the up grading of the theatres and wards at Mullingar Hospital in advance of the main development. In the light of these developments, and given the present financial situation, there is no possibility that the new medical unit at Tullamore Hospital can be provided in the foreseeable future.