Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019
506. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a series of matters (details supplied) relating to the national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7040/19]
View answerIn relation to maternity co-location, as has been outlined already, it is proposed to relocate the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital to the St James's Hospital campus, thereby achieving tri-location of adult, paediatric and maternity services. A site for the proposed maternity hospital is identified in the Site Master Plan, and the new children's hospital design has incorporated the required operational links with both the maternity and adult hospitals. While the construction of the new maternity hospital will not commence until the new children's hospital is completed, work will begin to move ahead with the project brief for that hospital.
In relation to theatres - the new hospital will include 22 operating theatres and procedure rooms, a significant increase on current theatre capacity. In relation to the other issues identified in the Deputy's question relating to baths, hotdesks, car parking and Code of Ethical Business Conduct, as these are operational matters, I have asked Children's Health Ireland to respond to the Deputy directly.
