Vol. 505 No. 5
49 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals, if any, he has to deal with the immediate overcrowding at the accident and emergency unit at Cork University Hospital and the hardship experienced by patients and staff as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13797/99]
In 1998 I approved the establishment of a project team to plan for the building of a new accident and emergency department at Cork University Hospital. Since the appointment of the project team considerable progress has been made on the planning for the new department. I am anxious to ensure that rapid progress continues to be made on this development and I have recently approved the brief for the new accident and emergency department and this project will now proceed to design stage.
The new department will cost approximately £5 million and will include a properly designed spacious waiting area for patients and visitors, provision of 20 assessment cubicles and a dedicated emergency radiology room. I am confident that this new department, when completed, will impact significantly upon the service to patients.
