Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016
634. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his response to the master of the Rotunda Hospital setting down conditions for its relocation to Connolly Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1073/16]
View answer635. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if it is expected that the name and brand of the Rotunda Hospital will be preserved in its proposed relocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1074/16]
View answer636. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the Rotunda Hospital will retain its own board following its proposed relocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1075/16]
View answer637. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the relocation of the Rotunda Hospital is conditional on the upgrading of services at Connolly Hospital akin to what is currently available at the Mater hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1076/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 634 to 637, inclusive, together.
Last summer, I announced the relocation of two of the three Dublin maternity hospitals, following a review by my Department. The Rotunda Hospital will be co-located with adult acute services at Connolly Hospital campus, Blanchardstown, while the Coombe will be tri-located at St. James’s campus with adult acute services and the new national children’s hospital. Co-location of maternity services with adult services provides mothers with access to a full range of medical and support services, should the need arise. Tri-location with paediatric services enhances the clinical benefits for the sickest new-born babies. It is envisaged that the name and brand of the Rotunda Hospital will be preserved.
With regard to the other specific issues raised by the Deputy, these are matters for the Health Service Executive to consider in collaboration with the Rotunda. Therefore, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly. If he has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he should contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
