Gay Mitchell
Ceist:160 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the concerns of the Meath community unit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26014/02]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
The provision of health services in this area of Dublin is a matter for the South-Western Area Health Board operating under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. I am informed by the South-Western Area Health Board that the former Eastern Health Board acquired the Meath Hospital in 1999 for the development of a range of health services for the catchment population of south inner city Dublin.
Services for older people proposed for development on the hospital campus include the following: 50 bed community unit; 25 bed secondary rehabilitation unit; day care centre; and sheltered housing.
Some ten single self-contained apartments for heavily dependent older people in main hospital building.
A draft developmental control plan and planning briefs for the proposed services have been completed and are currently being examined by officials in my Department. Funding for the development of services for older people at the Meath Hospital will be considered in the context of on-going discussions between the board and my Department to progress individual projects under the national development plan. Inevitably it will be necessary to prioritise individual projects in the light of available resources. It is anticipated that the project may take three to four years to complete from date of commencement.