Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2013
543. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the procedures followed to date in the course of the various preparations in respect of the building of the National Children's Hospital, Dublin; the extent to which the scale of facilities has been identified; when the architectural work will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14004/13]
View answerThe decision to locate the new children's hospital on the St James's campus was announced on 6 November 2012. 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. The new children’s hospital is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and the largest project within the current Capital Plan. This Government regards the building of the hospital as a priority and no effort will be spared in expediting its completion.
Following the announcement of the Government's decision, the first priority has been to determine the project management structures and governance arrangements required to enable delivery of the project as quickly as possible and to the highest quality. In this regard I intend to restructure the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board so that it focuses on the core function of planning, designing, building and equipping the new hospital. The membership of the restructured Board will align with this core function and include the necessary capital development expertise. The required legislation will, inevitably, take some time and as the terms of office of the majority of Board members expired on 5 December, I have appointed senior representatives from my Department and the HSE as an interim measure aimed at ensuring effective governance and decision-making for the project during this transitional phase.
At this important initial stage it is crucial that the project continues without delay. Work has been progressing in relation to the site and site preparation, while a review of urgent care centre(s) configuration is underway and a time-limited review of Dublin maternity services configuration is due to commence shortly. The Dolphin report concluded that the existing plan for the Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre in Tallaght would need to be revisited in light of any decision about the location of the new children’s hospital. The necessary review is well underway and is expected to be complete within the coming weeks; its outcome will be a key factor in finalising the scale of the facilities required on the St James’s campus.
With regard to the architectural work, much of the work that has been done for the project in its previous location on the Mater site is transferable to the new site. However, a new design for the new site is required and in this regard the transitional National Paediatric Hospital Development Board is progressing the procurement of a new design team.
This Government’s priority is to ensure that the project proceeds securely to completion as quickly as possible and with optimal results. I am confident that the project management and governance structures now being put in place will enable the fastest possible delivery of this key infrastructure for children’s hospital services.
