Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the stage of the planning of a new building for St. Mary's Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath; if the finance to build the project is secure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14656/09]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when phase 2B of Mullingar General Hospital will open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14657/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar forms part of the Dublin/Midlands Hospital Group and provides an extensive range of acute services to the population of Dublin/Midlands and in particular the Longford/Westmeath area.

Stage I of the Phase 2B Capital Development at Mullingar commenced in 2006 and is scheduled for completion shortly at a cost of â'¬23m.

This Phase of the Project includes:

• Fit out of the existing ward shells to provide a new paediatric ward, a new day surgery/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.

I understand that these works are completed and that the ward areas are now fully occupied.

In addition, approval was granted for the refurbishment of two further wards in the existing hospital - a Medical/Surgical and a Delivery/Gynaecology ward. This work is due to be completed shortly.

Completion of this Phase of the project will see the bed complement increase from 215 to 244 and will enhance the range and level of services provided.