Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 May 2004
59 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps that have been taken by his Department to ensure that the physical conditions at the laboratories in the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, will allow it to comply with the conditions for mandatory accreditation by 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15415/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny 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 generation 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. The authority further advises that this has now given rise to concerns about over crowding and consequential health and safety risks in some areas of service delivery. In light of that, the hospital is currently 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, neonatal ICU, ward accommodation, delivery unit, physiotherapy, social work department, TSSU. On receipt of the completed brief by the authority, it will be examined as a priority in conjunction with my Department.
