Vol. 554 No. 5
991 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when his Department will release funding to the Mid-Western Health Board to open the 17 new beds in the Regional Orthopaedic Hospital, Croom, County Limerick which were included in his announcement of the bed expansion scheme earlier in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15843/02]
1054 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a ward at Croom Orthopaedic Hospital, Limerick, which has been closed since the early 1990's, will be re-opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16112/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 991 and 1054 together.
On 16 January 2002 I approved proposals to provide an additional 78 acute hospital beds in the Mid-Western Health Board area, including 17 new beds in Croom Orthopaedic Hospital.
The board revised its proposals in respect of this project. Following consideration of the board's revised proposal, I approved, on 4 October 2002, the full refurbishment of St. Mary's Ward at Croom Orthopaedic Hospital to allow for the provision of an additional 17 beds.
