Kildare South TD Martin Heydon has again raised the need for investment in proposed new Units at Naas Hospital with the Health Department during a Dail debate this week with Minister of State at the Department of Health Finian McGrath.
“The significant increase in Kildare’s population in recent decades means we need urgent infrastructural investment in our health services for a new stand alone Mental Health Unit at Naas Hospital and the progressing to tender of the much needed Endoscopy and oncology units and day ward.
“Both projects are included in the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027 as major investment projects within the Health area. I emphasised to Minister McGrath the urgent need for progress on both projects given the pressure on services and bed occupancy at present.
“The Lakeview Mental health unit was built in the late 1980’s to cater for a Kildare/West Wicklow population of 135,000 at the time. The population of Kildare West Wicklow is now 241,500 with continued rises expected in the coming years. The 29 bed unit is no longer sufficient to deal with the needs of its catchment area and so the new unit is needed.
“The Minister advised that HSE Estates is now preparing to procure a new design team for the proposed expanded project with the timeframe to be informed by the work of this team.
“The proposed new endoscopy, oncology unit and day ward has received planning permission and is at tender stage. The Minister advised that it is anticipated that tender for construction will commence in 2019. This project is a key strategic priority for the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group and would help to clear the significant urgent scopes waiting list.
“Both of these developments are much needed and I will continue to highlight them at senior levels until they are completed.