Any proposal to develop services at the National Maternity Hospital is a matter for consideration by the Eastern Regional Health Authority in the first instance. My Department is advised by the authority that since the foundation of the hospital in 1894, its premises have been extended and modified as required to meet patient and clinical needs. In common with many older buildings, the infrastructural layout and configuration of the buildings are a constraint on the delivery of optimal services.
Coupled with this infrastructural issue is the growing demand for obstetric and gynaecological services over recent years. Against this background, my Department approved the establishment of a project team comprising representatives of my Department, the hospital and the authority, to examine the future role and accommodation needs of the hospital.
In light of particular concerns which have arisen in respect of overcrowding and consequential health and safety risks in some areas of service delivery, I understand that the project team is finalising a brief for interim developments which will broadly address the following key areas of concern: laboratory; post mortem facilities; out-patient clinics; patient waiting areas; pharmacy; neo-natal ICU; ward accommodation; delivery unit; physiotherapy; social work department; and theatre sterile supplies unit.
On receipt of the completed brief by the authority, it will be examined as a priority in conjunction with my Department. That is a matter on which we want to move relatively quickly. My officials met the board of the hospital recently and I am due to meet it shortly.