Vol. 541 No. 2
656 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the assistance which his Department has given to the Eastern Regional Health Authority to help improve capacity in Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. [22525/01]
The further enhancement of facilities at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, is a matter for consideration in the first instance by the Eastern Regional Health Authority. I have, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised and respond directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
However, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has already sanctioned a major theatre development at the hospital. This development, when completed, will provide five new operating theatres complete with ancillary accommodation, a day surgery area incorporating two day theatre suites and a central sterile supplies department. When these theatres are fully commissioned it is expected that the hospital will be in a position to perform an additional 100 paediatric cardiac procedures per annum, which is an increase of 40% on its existing capacity. The necessary planning for this work is now at an advanced stage. The next step will be to seek tenders for the work with commencement of construction to follow shortly thereafter.
I also recently announced the provision of a capital grant of £3 million to the Eastern Regional Health Authority for the provision and replacement of urgent priority equipment and minor capital works at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children. I am satisfied that the range of measures described above will facilitate the enhancement of paediatric services for children at the hospital.
