90. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the progression of the master plan for the redevelopment of University Hospital Galway; the timelines for the first phase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52389/26]

Sentiment score: 0.01

In University Hospital Galway over recent years we have seen investment in a 75-bed en suite ward, a temporary emergency department and the new radiation oncology building, but so much more is needed. The master plan, including the 300-bed ward blocks, the oncology centre, new laboratories and a new emergency department, is hugely important to the future. I am looking for a timeline for progression of this project.

Sentiment score: -0.18

I thank the Minister for that response. Certainly, the appointment of the design team is hugely welcome and a positive step. She will be aware of the Mater Hospital during the Covid pandemic and the 98-bed block that was built in two years. These things can be done where there is urgency. We have lost a lot of time in Galway, through no fault of the Minister's, because we have debated for too long whether we will redevelop UHG or move to Merlin Park. We have lost years, unfortunately, as well as money. There is a strong case for the Minister, the HSE and the Department of public expenditure to look at seeking a derogation from the standard HSE design process by combining stages 1 to 3 into a single integrated activity. There is a strong and defensible basis for this approach. Both blocks A and B are primarily bed-based accommodation, supported by well-established HSE guidance and standard approval layouts. Considering the loss of a number of years in Galway, would the Minister see merit in engaging with the Department of public expenditure and reform on fast-tracking these design stages?

Sentiment score: 0.18

Yes, there will be public engagement later today and again tomorrow. Residents in the Shantalla area hope to be able to pop in there tomorrow as well, and councillors will be engaging. I will certainly pass on the Minister's strong view on pushing on with a decision on the transfer of land in relation to the helipad project. Block A and block B comprise 150 beds and the bed shortage is critical to this project. There are other very important projects, including the new laboratories, which have been in poor facilities for a long time dating back to 1953 or something like that. There also needs to be a cancer centre for the region. Professor Michael Kerin has done tremendous work advocating for cancer treatment in the west of Ireland. However, we need to do everything we can to fast-track the beds. In many cases we are talking about standard designs, which are copied from other places. We are not reinventing the wheel. There are processes in place. It was done in the Mater. It can be done here with engagement.

Sentiment score: 0.04