Responsibility for the provision of services at the hospital rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. 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. That includes €5 million approved last year to facilitate refurbishment works at the hospital that 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.
My Department is advised that the first phase of the transition to the new development at the hospital has been completed. Last September, the coronary care and cardiac unit, the therapeutic psychiatry of old age unit, day hospital and the rheumatology service transferred to the new building. At present the further commissioning of this development is being examined by the ERHA and my Department.