Vol. 569 No. 3
137 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans for the redevelopment of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, in view of the findings to the effect that infrastructure is inadequate and below international standards and points to other serious deficiencies; the steps he intends to take to address the deficiencies identified in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17549/03]
157 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to assist those who wish to rebuild Crumlin Children's Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17625/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 157 together.
As the Deputies are aware, the Eastern Regional Health Authority is charged with responsibility for commissioning health and personal social services on behalf of the population of the region and also on behalf of those outside the region who are referred for specialist treatment. I wish to inform the Deputies that, on foot of an acknowledgement by all parties of the need for an overall development of the facilities at Crumlin Hospital, I approved the establishment of a project team to plan for the future development of the hospital. The team includes representatives from the hospital, the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the Department of Health and Children.
The first stage of the planning process involves writing a brief for the preparation of a development control plan that will set the context for future capital developments on the site. It is intended that a phased approach to new development and the upgrade of facilities will be taken. The plans will allow for the prioritisation of developments according to the service needs of the hospital and the ERHA, including infrastructural improvements in the haematology-oncology department and in the cardiology department, as well as the provision of MRI facilities on-site. A phased approach to the overall development will ensure that services continue to be provided at the hospital during the redevelopment of the facilities. A further major development, the new €30 million operating department, funded by the Exchequer, is currently being put in place at the hospital.
I have met the New Crumlin Hospital Group, which is composed of parents of children who regularly attend Our Lady's Hospital for treatment. It was this group that commissioned the recent Pollock report on facilities at the hospital. As I have already said, the deficiencies highlighted in the Pollock report are well-known and accepted. I am committed to the redevelopment programme at Crumlin and have given the New Crumlin Hospital Group my assurance in this regard.
