asked the Minister for Health in view of the great shortage of geriatric beds in County Wexford if he will give sanction for the new 100 bed unit to be built at Saint John's, Enniscorthe immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Wexford Geriatric Beds.
373.
In the context of capital schemes planned for the South-Eastern Health Board area, the relatively low priority accorded to the proposed new 100-bed unit at St. John's Hospital, Enniscorthy, has ruled out the allocation of funds for this scheme. You will appreciate that, in the current difficult financial situation, it is not possible for me to indicate when sanction will be given to build the new 100-bed unit.
The number of long-stay beds at present in County Wexford corresponds closely with my Department's planning guidelines.