Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Apr 2001

Vol. 533 No. 6

Written Answers. - Hospitals Building Programme.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

257 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the type and scope of the proposed new community hospital in Tuam, County Galway to replace the old Bon Secours Hospital which is closing on 6 April 2001; the stage at which the procurement of the existing hospital is; the timetable which is being planned for the actual provision of services for the people of Tuam and its hinterland; the services which are being provided to accommodate the existing psychiatric day care patients who were being treated in this hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9676/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt):

The provision of health services in the Tuam area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Western Health Board. The board informs me that it envisages a 60-bed community hospital comprising a mix of up to 30 beds for continuing care and the remaining 30 beds made up by direct access beds, rehabilitation / convalescent, respite and palliative care beds. In line with what is generally provided in the board's district hospitals, the service will have a very significant mix of multidisciplinary staff, including medical, nursing, nursing support, paramedical as well as other complementary therapists. Coupled with this, the board envisages the Tuam hospital functioning at the hub of a comprehensive outreach service providing home care programmes, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropody, home nursing, home help, as well as other flexible packages of care. These specialist care services will be supported by social support services such as community welfare and home advisory programmes.

An important dimension of this service would be its linkage with the acute services, mainly in Galway, but also in Castlebar and Roscommon. This linkage would enable patients to be dis charged early for convalescence, and would ensure that patients are taken away from their families and communities for the shortest time possible. There would be a very close linkage with private nursing homes so as to give every resident in need of long-stay care a choice as regards placement. The community hospital would open the way for the development of consultant-led outpatient clinics from Galway Regional Hospital and tele-imaging and x-ray services could be developed.

With regard to the procurement of the existing hospital, the board has appointed an estate agent to conduct negotiations with his counterpart appointed by the Bons Secours Order. These negotiations are in respect of the hospital building and the adjoining lands. As yet, agreement has not been reached on price.

With regard to the existing out-patient psychiatric service, this will be relocated to alternative facilities in Tuam, when the Bons Secours closes.