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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

28 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps he has taken to improve the facilities and services within Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, following media reports of delayed chemotherapy treatments and cancelled surgery for children at the hospital. [22465/03]

Mary Upton

Question:

76 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding plans for improvements at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children at Crumlin; if his attention has been drawn to claims made by a person (details supplied) that parts of the hospital would not pass a hygiene inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22512/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 76 together.

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 am aware of concerns expressed regarding the existing infrastructure at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. Many of the buildings comprising the hospital are approximately 50 years old, and have not been upgraded in any significant way over that period. As a result, they do not now generally meet contemporary standards for paediatric hospital facilities.
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 an outline development control plan which will set the context for future capital developments on the site. A project manager has been appointed to oversee the preparation of a brief for the ODCP, and this document is due to be completed by year-end.
It is intended that a phased approach to new development and the upgrade of facilities will be taken. A phased approach will ensure that services continue to be provided at the hospital during the redevelopment.
A sub-group of the project team is planning the interim development of three particular priorities in accordance with the service needs of the hospital and the ERHA, as follows: provision of MRI facilities, upgrade and extension of the haematology/oncology department and infrastructural upgrade of the cardiology department.
A number of additional major developments, funded by the Exchequer, are currently being put in place at the hospital. These include a €30 million investment in the new operating department which will provide two additional theatres, increasing the capacity of the hospital to five major theatres and two minor theatres. This development is designed to increase the capacity of the hospital to meet the additional surgery demands at both in-patient and out-patient level.
Last week I announced the allocation of €250,000 capital funding in 2003 towards the purchase of equipment for a telemedicine link between Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin and St. Jude's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee. Telemedicine will enable real time access between both hospitals. This will allow joint case conferences between clinicians in both hospitals to discuss test results, diagnosis and treatment protocols.
St. Jude's Hospital is a world leader in the successful management of childhood cancers and provides access to cutting edge research, prestigious clinical expertise and innovative technologies. This investment supports improved ser vices in paediatric oncology, a key priority in the development of cancer services.
I recently had a very positive meeting with representatives of the new Crumlin hospital group, which is composed of parents of children who regularly attend Crumlin hospital for treatment. I reassured the group of my absolute commitment to the total redevelopment of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, as a priority.
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