The proposal to redevelop the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) on the St Vincent's University Hospital (SVUH) campus has been under consideration and discussion for many years. In 2008, the KPMG, Independent Review of Maternity and Gynaecology Services in the Greater Dublin Area report, noted that Dublin’s model of stand-alone maternity hospitals did not align with the considered norm internationally, and acknowledged that for optimal clinical outcomes, maternity services should be co-located with adult acute services. The report recommended, inter alia, that the NMH should be relocated to the SVUH campus. In 2013, my predecessor, with the agreement of both hospitals, formally announced the Government’s intention to relocate the NMH to Elm Park, and that funding had been approved in the HSE’s Capital Plan to allow the project to proceed.
I am aware of the current difficulties in relation to the project and my Department has attempted to mediate a resolution. However, I am not in a position to give the Deputy the undertaking she requests. As both hospitals are voluntary independent hospitals, a solution cannot be imposed upon them. Ultimately, both hospitals will have to reach an agreement in relation to the outstanding governance issues if the project, as envisaged, is to proceed.
