Hospital Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Ceisteanna (592)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

592. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding plans for the future delivery of children's hospital services in the catchment area of the Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, following his announcement last week regarding the location of the proposed National Children's Hospital at the St. James' Hospital site; if he will appreciate that there is now confusion regarding the future of services at Tallaght; and if he will give assurances to the community on the matter [51088/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Dolphin report concluded that the existing plan for the Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre in Tallaght must be revisited in the light of a decision made about the location of the National Children’s Hospital. It is anticipated that most children around the country who require hospital care will receive it closer to their home. It is envisaged that there will be an urgent care centre or urgent care centres based on consideration of the geographical distribution of attendances and acuity of the patient. The location and number of such centres will be given careful consideration and this will be done urgently to reach a decision as soon possible.