Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 5

Written Answers. - Accident and Emergency Service.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

71 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the total number of young people under 14 years of age who attended the accident and emergency departments of Dublin hospitals in 1994; if he has satisfied himself that there are adequate facilities at each hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9570/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The information requested by the Deputy in respect of 1994 is as follows:

Hospital	Number of A & E attendances
The Children's Hospital, Temple Street	50,280(under 16 years old)
Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin	35,658(under 14 years old)
National Children's Hospital, Harcourt Street	20,298(under 14 years old)

In relation to facilities available at the Dublin paediatric hospitals, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a major capital grant of £500,000 was made available in 1994 to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin for extension and refurbishment of the accident and emergency department. I understand this work is nearing completion.

Furthermore, I am pleased to say that funds have been provided this year for the appointment of an accident and emergency consultant to the National Children's Hospital, Harcourt Street. This should result in the more efficient use of resources and will enhance the service available to children presently attending the hospital's accident and emergency department.

The top priority agreed by my Department and the hospital authorities for the Children's Hospital, Temple Street is the upgrading of the outpatient department. This upgrading is required because outpatient facilities at this hospital are antiquated and because of the volume of patients seeking such services. Temple Street Hospital has submitted a proposal to upgrade and refurbish its outpatient department at a cost of £700,000. On the basis that Temple Street Hospital will contribute £275,000, I have approved a capital grant for the balance i.e. £425,000. Building work should start in June 1995 and the development will take approximately six months to complete.