Hospital Accommodation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 November 2004

Wednesday, 24 November 2004

Ceisteanna (121)

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

112 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the construction of a community nursing home in south Mayo would help with the trolley overcrowding at Mayo General Hospital’s accident and emergency department and would also help bed congestion and State institution over-crowding and allow older persons to return to reside in their own area; her further views on whether this is really a priority as identified by special needs assessment conducted by the Western Health Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28801/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in County Mayo is, in the first instance, the responsibility of theWestern Health Board. The board has plans for the development of a community nursing unit at Ballinrobe.

My Department is examining the health capital programme to ascertain what new projects can be progressed through either planning or construction stages, taking account of existing commitments and overall funding resources available. It is in this context that my Department will continue to liaise with the Western Health Board regarding the proposed development at Ballinrobe in the light of the board's overall capital funding priorities.

The board has advised that when this facility is built, fully commissioned and staffed, it will obviously have an impact in helping to alleviate the overcrowding situation at Mayo General Hospital.