Seanad debates

Wednesday, 6 February 2019

Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters

Hospitals Building Programme

10:30 am

Photo of Maura HopkinsMaura Hopkins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I seek an update from the Minister of State on the planned new 50-bed unit for Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe. I have been raising this issue for some time. I first met the then Minister for Health and now Taoiseach, Deputy Varadkar, in 2015. It is important this project is funded under the 2019 capital investment plan. These are much-needed facilities for the hospital to replace wards which are unfit for a modern healthcare setting. Much of the nurses' strike is about working conditions in our hospitals. This project is key to improving conditions for patients, nurses and other staff within the hospital.

As the Minister of State is aware, this is a shovel-ready project and it is important we get shovels in the ground on this project. I have been in touch with hospital management recently and it continues to confirm the urgency for this project to be delivered.

I want to make the strongest possible case for this project this morning. I understand the capital investment plan is currently being finalised. It is important this project is included in it for 2019. As an occupational therapist, I am very aware of the need for modern health infrastructure. We know that in terms of standards a number of the wards at Portiuncula University Hospital are not fit for purpose. It is important we see movement on and funding provided for this replacement unit.

The hospital has completed the design stage along with full costings. They were submitted to the HSE Estates in 2017. Our biggest issue is the funding of this project. I look forward to a positive response from the Minister of State regarding this 50-bed unit at Portiuncula University Hospital.

Photo of Jim DalyJim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this issue and giving me this opportunity to outline to the House the position regarding the proposed capital developments at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe, including the provision of a 50-bed ward block to replace existing ward accommodation and other works such as fire safety upgrade works and the replacement of the existing fluoroscopy room.

Planning permission has been received for a new 50-bed replacement ward block to provide replacement ward accommodation at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe, County Galway. The HSE has informed the Department that tender documents are being prepared with a view to progressing the procurement process and commencing an enabling works contract in 2019. Progress in respect of these and all other capital projects are subject to the availability of capital funding.

The health capital allocation in 2019 is €567 million for the construction and equipping of health facilities. Following the publication of the Health Service Executive's national service plan for 2019, the Health Service Executive is currently developing its capital plan for 2019. The HSE capital plan will determine the projects that can progress in 2019 and beyond having regard to the available capital funding, the number of large national capital projects currently under way, the cashflow requirements attaching to each project and the relevant priority. In developing its capital plan for 2019 and future years, the HSE must consider a range of issues, including the expenditure that is contractually committed, the HSE’s annual requirement in regard to meeting risks associated with clinical equipment, ambulances and healthcare infrastructure and the total capital Exchequer funding required for the new children’s hospital in 2019.

The impact of the increased costs for the completion of the new children’s hospital will, based upon the HSE’s analysis and Government priorities, see the timing of non-contracted capital commitments managed within the available health capital allocations. In line with statutory requirements, the Department of Health and the HSE are currently engaged in a process to finalise the HSE capital plan for 2019, informed by the Government decision on the children’s hospital. Details of total capital investment for 2019 will be set out in the plan and the HSE will be required to manage its capital expenditure within the agreed plan.

The future requirements of Portiuncula University Hospital and other health capital projects, currently at various stages of development, are being considered as part of this process. Once the HSE has finalised its capital plan for 2019, it will then be submitted to the Minister for consideration.

Photo of Maura HopkinsMaura Hopkins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Minister said, work on the projects to be included in the plan is currently being finalised. I emphasise the need for urgency on this issue. I am happy that the HSE has informed the Department that tender documents are being prepared with a view to progressing the procurement process and commencing an enabling works contract in 2019. It is important we would see enabling works commence but further urgency needs to be given to the delivery of this new 50-bed unit to replace wards the condition of which are not fit for purpose in a modern health care setting. I urge the Minister of State and thee Minister, Deputy Harris, to work closely to ensure this project for Portiuncula University Hospital is included in the 2019 capital plan.

Photo of Jim DalyJim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Senator's representations on the matter and her sincerity in pursuing it. A project that is advanced as this is a long way ahead of others that are awaiting planning and design. A project that is proceeding to enabling works has been significantly progressed. I note the Senator's concern and her insistence that it proceed unhindered. I will pass on her remarks in that regard to the HSE.