Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2012
16. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if the relocation and redevelopment of Dublin's Maternity Hospital is being considered in the context of the decision pending on the National Children's Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48741/12]
View answerOn Tuesday, I announced the Government’s decision to develop the new children’s hospital at the campus of St James’s Hospital in Dublin. In identifying the new site, the Government has carefully considered the report of the Dolphin Group along with detailed supplementary information on cost, time and planning which was subsequently sought from those members of the Group with the relevant technical expertise. The report was published on Tuesday on the website of my Department.
This decision has been made in the best interests of children, with clinical considerations being of paramount importance. It is essential that the new children’s hospital can deliver best clinical outcomes for our children. Co-location with an adult hospital has been deemed essential by the Dolphin report, and by all previous reports on this issue, while tri-location with a maternity hospital is optimal. Co-location, and ultimately tri-location with a maternity hospital, on the St James's campus will support the provision of excellence in clinical care that our children deserve.
I intend to move quickly now to put in place all the necessary structures and governance arrangements to enable the delivery of this project as quickly as possible and to the highest quality. This Government regards the building of the new children’s hospital as a key priority and no effort will be spared in expediting its completion.
The decision of the location of the new Children's hospital does not impact on the proposal to relocate the National Maternity Hospital to St Vincent's.
