First public-private health deal launched

THE first public-private partnership deal to fast-track the building of 170 million euro hospital scheme will be launched today.

Health Minister Micheál Martin confirmed yesterday that tenders will be sought from the private sector to build 17 community nursing units for the elderly in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area and South Health Board region.

This new Department of Health venture is one way to ensure all capital projects promised under the National Health Strategy will be delivered, Mr Martin said, adding: "There will be no cutbacks on capital projects and the use of public private partnerships will ensure we get projects up and running faster."