asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the new arrangements for the provision of casualty and out-patients services are available in Longford before the County Hospital is closed.
Written Answers. - Longford County Hospital.
39.
It was intended originally to provide an extension to Mount Carmel District Hospital in Longford to cater for casualty and out-patients services before the County Hospital there would be closed. However, with the early retirement of the consultant surgeon at the end of this month the health board propose to close the hospital from that date. I agree with this approach.
Following the closure of the hospital the casualty and out-patient services will be located in existing accommodation at Mount Carmel pending the provision of the new extension. I can give an assurance that the early retirement of the surgeon will not result in the planned arrangements for the provision of the extension for the casualty and out-patients services being delayed in any way.