James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 495: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason phase 2B of Longford-Westmeath Regional Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath is not completed after 12 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33640/09]

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 €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 has been completed and I am advised that the wards will be commissioned by the end of this month.