Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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I am disappointed that it is some 11 and a half years since I first stood on my feet in the Dáil to forcefully request the then Minister for Health and Children to make rapid progress with the plans for phase 2B of Mullingar General Hospital, which facilitates the significantly increased population of two counties, namely, Longford and Westmeath. Phase 2A was completed in June 2007 and I am compelled tonight on behalf of the constituents of Longford-Roscommon and Westmeath to raise the issue and their deeply held concerns over the tardiness and slowness of progress with the completion of phase 2B of Mullingar Regional Hospital.

In 2006, we were informed that the unit would be opened towards the end of 2007. We were then told phase 2B, stage 1, which was scheduled again and subdivided, would be completed in 2008, with same having been commenced formerly on 24 October 2006. The completion of this phase of the project will increase the bed complement from 215 to 244. I acknowledge that an additional €4.6 million was allocated to allow the refurbishment of the remaining existing wards, including a medical and surgical ward on level O and a delivery and gynaecology ward on level 2.

There are also plans to fit out of the existing ward shells in line with the strategy for the control of antimicrobial resistance in Ireland, SARI, guidelines to provide a new paediatric ward on level O, a new day surgery and gynaecology ward on level 1, a new obstetric ward on level 2, and a new medical ward, incorporating an acute stroke level unit on level 3.

Phase 2B — stage 1 will also see the existing paediatric and obstetric wards in line with SARI guidelines to provide a surgical ward on level 1 and a medical ward and palliative care unit on level 3, which is very important and has been demanded. I pay tribute to the work of the North Westmeath Hospice which is very valuable.

The existing facilities at level O will be extended to accommodate an interim special care baby unit, adjacent to the new paediatric ward. The road, car parking, drainage and other associated works will be completed by the end of December 2008 and should open in early 2009, which is very welcome, even if the completion is somewhat belated.

This small piece of good news is subject to qualifications. The staff are left to ascertain if the appropriate complement of additional staff will be provided, but despite the hospital having submitted a manpower plan to the HSE, it is still awaiting developments and outcomes in this regard especially with reference to the provision of the necessary additional staff complement.

I seek clarification on the plans for stage two of phase 2B, which originally included the following: a new acute psychiatric department, additional beds in the medical assessment unit, additional day beds, a separate coronary care unit, a separate intensive care unit, new medicine for elderly and rehabilitation units and replacement child and adolescent psychiatric unit, replacement of theatres, a replacement pathology department, a replacement occupational therapy unit, extended catering facilities and new central staff changing facilities. I want clear answers tonight, which is why I was sent here by my constituents.

Is it true that the new acute psychiatric unit, which was to be built as part of the phase 2B capital development accommodation at Mullingar General Hospital, is being scrapped? If so, why is there such a fundamental change in policy and a clear reneging on commitments solemnly given to the people of Longford and Westmeath? Is the Minister going to expect patients who require such a service to be transferred to either Naas or Portlaoise under the PCCC area plan? There is clearly no transport network available and this would interfere with the seamless nature of the treatment afforded to patients at St. Loman's Hospital. This illustrates the illogicality of any such plan or policy at this stage. I want an assurance that there will be no new acute psychiatric unit in Mullingar General Hospital, and that the patients will remain at St. Loman's Hospital and avail of the excellent facilities provided by the staff there.

As if this is not bad enough, I understand that the second stage of phase 2B, which will increase the bed complement to 313, has been subjected again to an independent cost benefit analysis. We all know that this would recommend that the work proceed. This must be the most over analysed, evaluated and scrutinised project ever to take place in Ireland, yet it has now been referred to the national hospital capital steering committee, and formal confirmation is awaited from the committee concerning the status of this development. How many times do we have to have a project, now about 12 years in gestation, subjected to internal analyses and evaluation? Does the Government keep opting for evaluations in the hope of getting a negative analysis? We all know that could not or never will happen, as this hospital project is vital for the population of Longford and Westmeath.

I also understand the HSE board is finalising its capital funding budget plans tomorrow for 2009 and the Minister will have this plan by the end of the week. I call upon her to ensure that the necessary funding of €36 million is provided in the budget to allow the second stage of phase 2B to proceed. She should then ensure that it is opened in 2009 or early 2010, which is about 13 years after it should have been completed at a fraction of the cost that will now be incurred.

I hope that the manpower plan which must accompany the infrastructural development will not be left lying on a desk within the HSE, as it is vital that the additional necessary complement of staff is also provided at that stage to enable the extra facilities to be properly staffed when it is opened.

Four years ago we took to the streets in Mullingar to show our displeasure at the shoddy way in which residents in Longford and Westmeath were being treated by the Government in the provision of essential health services we deserve. We will not accept any more half truths, obfuscation, side-stepping, or bureaucratic replies. The time for action has long since passed. Our patience has been exhausted, and if the Minister does not give a positive reply, the Labour Party will bring the people back on the streets of Mullingar and to the gates of Dáil Éireann to fight with our feet for what is rightfully ours.

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I will be taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children.

Stage one of the phase 2B capital development at Mullingar began in October 2006 and is scheduled to be completed next month. The completion of this phase of the project, costing over €23 million, will increase the bed complement at the hospital from 215 to 244, which is an increase of 29 beds. This phase of the project includes a fit-out of the existing ward shells to provide a new paediatric ward, a new day surgery and gynaecology ward, a new obstetric ward and a new medical ward, incorporating an acute stroke unit; refurbishment of the existing paediatric and obstetric wards to provide surgical and medical wards and a palliative care unit; an extension of the existing facilities to accommodate an interim special care baby unit adjacent to the new paediatric ward; and substantial completion of the proposed infrastructural road and car park network, together with any associated drainage works and utility diversions. The Health Service Executive has advised that these works are completed and that the ward areas are now fully occupied.

In addition, the HSE also granted approval for the refurbishment of two further wards in the existing hospital, that is, a medical and surgical ward and a delivery and gynaecology ward. This work is due to be completed next month.

With regard to stage 2, the HSE, in drawing up its capital programme, is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects to be developed within its overall capital funding allocation under the national development plan. This must take account of the NDP targets for the division of capital investment between the acute and primary, community and continuing care pillars. The HSE is currently considering its capital plans from 2009 onwards, and these will soon be submitted to the Department of Health and Children for consideration and approval in the normal way. Details on individual projects will be made available when the capital plan is approved.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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I am not blaming the Minister of State, but that is a terrible reply to give to anybody. It could have been written by a school child.