Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully agree with the Senator. We have a growing population in every area of the country and it is important that we respond accordingly.

Portiuncula University Hospital, serving the people of Galway, Roscommon and the west midlands, has a reputation for the delivery of high-quality, innovative and safe care to patients. This Government is committed to the ongoing development of Portiuncula University Hospital and the hospital is in the midst of a programme of investment designed to improve services for patients.

The new Orchard and Garbally ward blocks are a €35 million investment, comprising single suite rooms that will improve patient experience and infection control. These have replaced old wards which will now be replaced by expanding the emergency department at an additional investment of €6.9 million. The capital investment discussed today is part of a much wider programme of investment and service expansion in Portiuncula University Hospital.Funding has been allocated for the design and upgrade to relocate the hospital sterile supplies department, which covers both Portiuncula University Hospital and Roscommon University Hospital. In the area of cancer control, the oncology service is commencing extended day services and is providing an additional treatment base, along with a third visiting consultant oncologist.

I am delighted to note that the national women and infants programme has agreed to fund a new ambulatory gynaecology unit in Portiuncula University Hospital. This service will create theatre capacity for patients requiring general anaesthetic, allowing the hospital to increase activity across specialties.

I again thank the Senator for the work she has done. The issue of hospitals is complex. We need the funding and it is being provided to Portiuncula University Hospital. As the Senator identified, there is a growing population and increasing demands, and we must, therefore, respond accordingly.