Vol. 518 No. 1
128 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will fund the cost of providing facilities and professional personnel for the establishment of a medical centre capable of dealing with minor medical procedures not requiring hospitalisation so as to avoid overcrowding at major accident and emergency facilities in University College Hospital, Galway and St. Brendan's Hospital, Loughrea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11014/00]
The provision of services in this instance is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board. I understand from the board that a ten year strategic plan for the development of primary care services, including general practice, is currently being developed by them. The plan is currently at consultation stage and is expected to be finalised within the next few months for adoption by the board and submission to my Department with an assessment of funding requirements and priorities.
I understand from the board that it does not have any specific proposals for the establishment of the type of medical facilities envisaged by the Deputy at University College Hospital, Galway or at St. Brendan's Hospital, Loughrea. However, the infrastructural needs of the primary care services will be further considered by the board in the context of available resources when the strategic plan is finalised.
The Deputy will also wish to note that a new accident and emergency unit has been commissioned at University Hospital, Galway as part of the phase 1 major capital development plan. The new facilities, which include ten overnight observation beds, will facilitate the delivery of a greatly enhanced service to patients at the hospital.
