Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

49 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to downgrade Monaghan Hospital, County Monaghan; and the reason no provision is proposed for major surgery or intensive care in the plans for the future of the hospital. [18411/00]

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

122 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to downgrade Monaghan Hospital, County Monaghan; and the reason no provision is proposed for major surgery or intensive care in the plans for the future of the hospital. [18403/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 122 together.

The North Eastern Health Board's five-year framework policy document for acute hospitals was unanimously adopted by the board in June 1998. It outlines the proposals for the Cavan-Monaghan Hospital Group.

A project team, appointed by the chief executive officer of the North Eastern Health Board, with representation from my Department, is currently preparing a brief for the Cavan-Monaghan hospital group which will form the basis for instructing an architect and design team to advance the planned developments. Under the national development plan some £80 million has been approved for the North Eastern Health Board's hospitals and ambulance development during the period 2001-06.

The North Eastern Health Board is fully committed to the future development of Monaghan hospital and to the provision of a high level of service for the people of Monaghan. There is no question of down-grading the hospital. Substantial refurbishment took place at the hospital last year and work is ongoing to prepare for the further development of facilities at the hospital. In this context, the brief which is being prepared by the North Eastern Health Board will ensure that planned facilities at Monaghan General Hospital are in line with best modern standards in all respects.