Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013
102. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the additional resources that will be made available to existing children’s hospitals, including Temple Street, in view of the further delay in the delivery of the National Children’s Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22577/13]
View answer115. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the additional resources that will be made available to existing children’s hospitals, including Crumlin, in view of the further delay in the delivery of the National Children’s Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22578/13]
View answer117. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the additional resources that will be made available to existing children’s hospitals, including Tallaght, in view of the further delay in the delivery of the National Children’s Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22568/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 102, 115 and 117 together.
The HSE National Service Plan which was submitted to me in December, and which I approved, sets out the quantum and type of health services to be provided in 2013 within the overall level of funding provided. The HSE has responsibility for the delivery of services, set out in the Regional Plans, and to ensure that services are delivered within budget.
The three children's hospitals referred to, which will all transfer to the new children's hospital when built, have expressed their commitment to becoming a single service well before then. They are already working closely together, with a single Clinical Director across the three sites, to ensure optimisation of resources and facilities.
The establishment of a Children's Hospital Group, which I announced last November, is an important further step towards that single service. The Group will have a non-statutory Board of Direction which will oversee the integration of services across the three hospitals. Dr Jim Browne has been appointed as its Chair, and will work closely with the Chairs of the three existing hospitals, who have welcomed his appointment.
