Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir as an gceist sin and for the opportunity to provide an update on the status of the Saolta University Health Care Group's proposals for a new emergency department, cancer care centre, elective beds and laboratory facilities at Galway University Hospital and Merlin Park. As fate would have it, the Minister is before the committee with regard to Estimates. It is an incredibly busy time.

The strategic assessment report for the proposed emergency department, women and children's block at Galway University Hospital is currently under review within the Department of Health to ensure its alignment with national policy and strategy, as well as to ensure the proposal is affordable within the overall capital envelope. Under the public spending code, following this review, the report will be submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform which will advise if the proposal can proceed to the development of a preliminary business case. In the meantime, I am pleased to say that the new interim emergency department opened in October 2022. This interim emergency department and associated works will also serve as enabling works for the proposed new block if it is approved.

With regard to the cancer care centre, in line with the national cancer strategy, the model of care for hospital cancer treatment is centred on eight designated cancer centres serving a defined population and geographic area of which Galway University Hospital is one such centre. The centralisation of specialist services aims to optimise patient outcomes through case volume, multidisciplinary working and infrastructural supports. Saolta University Health Care Group made a capital submission earlier this year to the HSE for a Galway cancer care centre which has not yet been approved. When approved, it will be submitted to the Department of Health for review. The proposal, costing in excess of €100 million, will need to follow the requirements of the public spending code and the HSE capital projects manual and approvals protocol.

With regard to elective facilities, the Government agreed a new national elective ambulatory care strategy in December 2021. This new strategy aims to change the way in which day case, scheduled procedures, surgeries, scans and outpatient services can be better arranged to ensure greater capacity in the future and help to address waiting lists. The development of additional capacity will be provided through dedicated, standalone elective hospitals in Cork, Galway and Dublin.

A preliminary project business case has been developed for the new elective hospital in Galway. It is expected that a memorandum for Government seeking approval in principle of the business case at decision gate 1 of the public spending code will be submitted shortly for consideration. This is required before the project can move to gate 2, which involves the development of a detailed project brief and procurement strategy. It is hoped that the new elective centre will open in 2027 and be fully operational by 2028. Laboratory services at Galway University Hospital are currently being provided out of prefabricated accommodation. The Saolta University Health Care Group's plan is to provide new build modern laboratory facilities. A strategic assessment report has been submitted to the HSE national property and steering committee for consideration.

It is important to note, in addition to the projects raised by Senator Kyne, significant other capital works and investment are also happening in Galway. These include but are not limited to the previously mentioned interim emergency department, new orthopaedic theatres, an ambulance base and new facilities such as the 12-bed cardiothoracic ward. Under the national programme for radiation oncology, a new €56 million radiation oncology facility is expected to open to patients in quarter 2 of 2023. The facility will include seven radiotherapy treatment vaults; a brachytherapy suite; two computerised tomography, CT, rooms; MRI; on-treatment support and ancillary physics; treatment planning and administration facilities. This level of investment demonstrates this Government's commitment to the ongoing development of Galway University Hospital, Merlin Park and the services available to the public.