CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (Building of)

Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Acting Minister for Health whether his Ministry has any plans to build a children's hospital and, if so, whether he will give details of the facilities that will be provided.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, my Ministry will build a children's wing as part of the redeveloped Kandang Kerbau Hospital, with about 400 beds for children and the newborn. The pediatric and neonatal units from Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Toa Payoh Hospital and Alexandra Hospital will be transferred to this new facility when it is ready.

Planning for the hospital has commenced and building is targetted for completion by early 1994.

Mr Yeo Toon Chia (Ang Mo Kio): Will the Minister inform the House where is the proposed site for this children's hospital?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, several sites are being considered at the present moment. I will keep the House informed when we have decided on the actual site.