Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 215 together.

I thank Deputies Durkan and Heydon for asking these important questions about Naas General Hospital. I was delighted to visit the hospital on a number of occasions with Deputies Durkan and Heydon.

There are, as the Deputy said, two distinct capital development proposals for Naas General Hospital at present. The first development consists of accommodation and ancillary services to support the new endoscopy unit, physical medicine unit, physical therapy unit, oncology unit and day procedure department. Planning permission has been received and I understand the project is currently at tender stage. I say clearly that I want this project to progress. We are finalising our capital plan in our discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform but this is an absolute priority, not only for the people of Naas but for the people of Kildare and elsewhere. It has the ability to transform our endoscopy services for the people in that region.

In addition, as the Deputy rightly said, there is the development of a new mental health unit at the hospital. The original development proposal comprised the provision of an eight-bed intensive care unit at the existing 30-bed Lakeview mental health unit on the grounds of Naas General Hospital. Following a review of the proposal, I am pleased to say that a significant expansion of the project scope is now proposed, with an associated and significant increase in project value. This has meant the original design team’s engagement had to be terminated and a new procurement process undertaken. I understand that the HSE has now appointed a new design team for this much expanded project. This is an exciting project for our mental health services in Kildare because the revised proposal is expected to deliver 50 bed spaces, including a nine-bed intensive care area, and significantly upgraded infrastructure. The timeframe for the completion of the new acute mental health unit project will be informed by the work of the new design team and this work will be undertaken in conjunction with Naas General Hospital and the HSE.

My Department is continuing to invest significantly in this important hospital for the people of Kildare and, as the Deputy is aware, under the winter initiative we provided an additional 11 beds in Naas General Hospital which came on-stream in the last quarter of 2017. All this means more beds and more capital investment for Naas General Hospital.

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