On 3 February last, the Health Service Executive published a report on the delivery of tertiary paediatric services in this country. This report was commissioned by the Health Service Executive at my request.
The report, which was prepared by McKinsey and Company, recommends that best outcomes for children should be provided by one national tertiary paediatric centre, which would also provide all secondary paediatric services for the greater Dublin area. The report recommended that these secondary services would be supported by strategically located accident and emergency facilities.
Arising from the report's recommendations, a joint HSE-Department of Health and Children task group was established to progress matters and to advise on the optimal location for the new facility. The group's report is expected shortly. When a decision has been taken in relation to the new facility, the HSE will examine the organisational arrangements necessary to progress the development, including the arrangements for the provision of paediatric accident and emergency services. My primary concern is to ensure that we arrive at a solution which is in the best interests of the children of this country.