Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2015
166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the remaining development phases of Naas General Hospital in County Kildare, with particular reference to the need to ensure early provision of the promised extra facilities; the extent to which extra bed accommodation might be identified and provided for in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15148/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the HSE is developing a substantial infrastructure project at Naas General Hospital which will deliver an endoscopy unit, an oncology unit and a physical medicine department which will include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. While some enabling works are required to the hospital infrastructure, (electrical distribution system, etc) it is expected that project construction could commence in the second half of 2015. This is a considerable infrastructure investment in Naas General Hospital.
There will always be more projects than can be funded by the Exchequer. Therefore any further investment in Naas General Hospital must be considered in the context of the establishment of hospital groups, within the overall acute hospital sector infrastructure programme and within the multi-annual capital envelope available to the health service. In 2015, there will be a structured integration of the hospitals in the Dublin Midlands Group which in addition to Naas General Hospital includes St James's Hospital, Tallaght Hospital, Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore, Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise and the Coombe. This will provide further support for all hospitals in delivering high-quality, safe patient care in a cost-effective manner.
There is limited funding available for new projects over the next multi-annual period 2015-2019 given the level of commitments and the costs to completion already in place. In addition, the HSE cannot exceed or plan to exceed its approved commitment thresholds. The HSE is concentrating on applying the limited funding available for capital works in the most effective way possible to meet residential need now and in the future.
