Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 9 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospitals Building Programme.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

30 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the new five story facility at James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, which cost more than ?96 million to construct and equip, has still not been brought into service; the steps being taken to ensure that the facility is commissioned without further delay; the other such facilities that have been completed but not yet brought into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22517/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Responsibility for the provision of services at James Connolly Memorial Hospital rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA.

My Department is advised that construction of phase 1 of the new hospital development at James Connolly Memorial Hospital is now complete with the exception of some snagging work which is being carried out by the contractors. This major development is being funded jointly by the Northern Area Health Board – through the sale of surplus lands – and my Department. The projected full project cost is €101.4 million. This includes an amount of €5 million approved earlier this year to facilitate refurbishment works at the hospital which are necessary as part of the transition process to the new hospital and to facilitate a land transfer in line with the project development arrangements.

There has been progress recently in commissioning the new facilities. The coronary care unit, formerly located in unit 7, has recently moved to the new building together with 35 medical/cardiac beds. In addition the therapeutic treatment centre has moved to its new location on the ground floor of the new facility. The ERHA, the Northern Area Health Board, and the management of James Connolly Memorial Hospital are also finalising arrangements to transfer existing accident and emergency services to the new facility upon its anticipated completion in November. The additional revenue required to further commission the new facilities will be the subject of consideration as part of the Estimates process for 2004.