I have requested the board of the Adelaide and Meath hospitals, Dublin incorporating the National Children's Hospital to consider a phased opening of the new hospital at Tallaght. The Deputy will be aware that a number of additional construction projects were approved earlier this year so as to enhance the new hospital. These include an expanded outpatients department, additional car parking, and private facilities. The design and construction of these projects to a degree which would be compatible with the functioning of a major acute hospital is the main delaying factor. In addition the opening of the hospital is contingent on such issues as the completion of necessary equipping, staff training, management decisions and patient needs.
In seeking the hospital's consideration of a phased opening, I have requested that the majority of the services be transferred by May of next year.
The Department reached agreement with the hospital on the additional private facilities last March. It is the responsibility of the board of the hospital to finance and develop these facilities. Discussions with consultants in this regard are a matter entirely for the hospital management. It is hoped that a decision by the board to proceed with a phased opening of the hospital will facilitate a resolution of any possible negative impact (on the determination of opening) which might arise from such discussions.
The full range of medical and surgical services currently being provided at the Adelaide, the Meath and the National Children's Hospital will transfer to the new hospital at Tallaght. The new hospital will also have a modern acute psychiatric unit which is being transferred from St. Loman's hospital. Any proposals for the further development of additional services will be considered in my Department in the light of available resources.
I am committed to ensuring that this fine hospital facility should open as soon as possible as the hospital's catchment population must have its services at the earliest opportunity. I have recently met with the full board and had a comprehensive discussion on all of the issues relating to the opening of the hospital. The board is in no doubt as to my views and requirements in this regard.