Joe Walsh
Ceist:64 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding the application of the Southern Health Board for the establishment of a new maternity unit on the grounds of Cork University Hospital. [19455/96]
Written Answers. - Cork Maternity Services.
Limerick East): As I have stated publicly on a number of previous occasions, I am committed to putting the resources in place to support the development of enhanced maternity services in Cork.
The centralisation of maternity services on a single site at Cork University Hospital is a major capital project, which requires detailed planning work by the Southern Health Board, in close consultation with my Department. This process is already under way, with the full co-operation of my officials.
As a means of progressing this development I recently approved the establishment of a project team, representing medical, nursing, managerial and Department of Health interests. Work has commenced on the development of a brief for the new obstetric service. I expect that work will be completed on this brief early in 1997 and this will form the basis for the development of the amalgamated maternity unit on the grounds of Cork University Hospital.