Michael Creed
Ceist:95 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the pilot scheme which proposes to house civilian patients at St. Bricin's Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4961/99]
Written Answers. - St. Bricin's Military Hospital.
Ivor Callely
Ceist:114 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the progress, if any, made with a major Dublin hospital to use the facilities and services at St. Bricin's military hospital; the number of hospital beds available at St. Bricin's; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4952/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 114 together.
A number of meetings have taken place between my Department and the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, with a view to using St. Bricin's military hospital as a step down medical facility into which certain categories of civilian patients could be transferred.
Agreement in principle was reached on the introduction of a pilot scheme under which up to eight civilian patients would be accommodated in St. Bricin's for periods ranging from seven to ten days. Some preparatory work has been carried out in St. Bricin's in anticipation of the implementation of this project. It was recognised by all of the parties involved that a range of issues would have to be addressed before the pilot scheme could commence. It is intended that if the pilot scheme is successful a long-term arrangement involving up to 20 patients would be put in place.
Overall responsibility for the health and well-being of civilian patients in this country rests with the Department of Health and Children and it is essential that, in order to discharge its duties and responsibilities, that Department fully satisfies itself concerning all of the arrangements pertaining to the transfer, accommodation and treatment of civilian patients while in St. Bricin's hospital. The Department of Health and Children has advised the Mater Hospital of its requirements in this regard, and it is understood that the matter is currently being pursued by the hospital authorities. A number of legal and insurance issues must also be resolved.
When the Department of Health and Children has satisfied itself fully with regard to the above requirements, it will formally approach my Department to request that St. Bricin's hospital provide the facilities described above. In the meantime, I remain committed to the successful implementation of the pilot scheme and the matter will be progressed as quickly as possible.