Martin Ferris
Ceist:114 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the proposed development of the new hospital at Dingle. [26417/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 28 October 2004
Ceisteanna (115)
Freagraí scríofa
The provision of health services in the Kerry area is a matter for the Southern Health Board. The board, in consultation with my Department decided, to build a new 72-bed community hospital in Dingle, County Kerry, to replace the existing hospital. The new hospital will comprise a mix of beds for continuing care, rehabilitation-convalescent, respite, palliative care beds and beds that will be used for direct admissions by the local GP-primary care team. In addition, there will be a central module, a day care unit, a mental health day care unit and an ambulance base.
The next step in the progressing of the Dingle project to construction is to invite tenders for the construction of the project. A decision on progressing this project will be considered by my Department in the context of the significant additional revenue funding and staff that will be required by the board to operate the new hospital and having regard to the board's employment ceiling and funding available to my Department.