Vol. 511 No. 3
204 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to provide additional funds for the provision of a casualty unit at St. Joseph's Hospital, Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24095/99]
I was pleased to be able to allocate a capital grant of £100,000 recently to the Midland Health Board for the extension and upgrading of the casualty unit in Longford. I understand that the board has recently advertised for tenders for this work. When completed, the improvements will be of real benefit to the people of Longford.
205 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to provide additional funding for the provision of a casualty unit at St. Vincent's Hospital, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24096/99]
Responsibility for providing services at St. Vincent's Hospital, Athlone, rests with the Midland Health Board. The board have informed me that they are carrying out a review of the service infrastructure on the whole of the St. Vincent's campus and intend to make a submission to my Department for the comprehensive development-upgrading of facilities. I will consider any such proposal when it is received. The Deputy will probably know that a GP out-of-hours service is presently provided at the hospital.
