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"Mullingar Hospital additional beds in 2007," says Minister Martin
Micheál Martin T.D., Minister for Health and Children, has stated that Phase 2B of Longford/Westmeath General Hospital at Mullingar 'will be completed in 2007'.
This disappointing information was contained in a letter from Minister Martin to Deputy Paul McGrath.
"While I expected that it would take some time for the additional beds to come on stream at Mullingar," says Deputy McGrath, "I am shocked that Minister Martin has stated that there will be a 6 year lead in time to the completion of this hospital."
"This news is particularly disappointing when we realise that the actual building to accommodate most of the additional beds is already built and paid for with tax payers’ money since 1997," says McGrath.
"While I appreciate that the proposed Acute Psychiatric Unit of 36 beds will probably require additional construction it seems incredible that the existing four floors cannot be fitted out and utilised earlier then the 6 year time frame as envisaged by the Minister," says Deputy McGrath.
"There will be virtually no expenditure on this project in 2001 since the only activity will be the recruiting and appointment of an architect to design the building layout and new additions," says Deputy McGrath.
"I now call on the Minister for review how the much needed additional beds can be provided in the unused 4-storey block at Mullingar Hospital," says Deputy McGrath.
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