Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2010
736 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide an update on the plans for the development of the proposed national children’s hospital at the Mater Hospital site, Dublin; if she will confirm her commitment to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33246/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and the HSE are making good progress in their work to bring this important project to fruition. The Integrated Design Team, appointed in October 2009, completed the concept designs for the new children's hospital and the Ambulatory & Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght in February 2010.
I can confirm that I remain committed to this project and am very pleased to note that the planning of the new hospital is proceeding. Construction of the hospital is due to be completed by the end of 2014. The development costs for the hospital are currently under detailed review by the Board. The development will be funded through a combination of direct Exchequer funding and other sources, including philanthropic contributions. The overall development costs will be known following completion of the competitive tendering exercise and are expected to reflect the increased value for money currently applying to large construction contracts.
737 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm her commitment to the development of the proposed urgent care centre at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, in advance of the opening of the new children’s hospital at the Mater Hospital site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33247/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy objective, and that of the Government, is to ensure the provision of a world-class hospital to serve the children of this country. I am happy to confirm my commitment to the Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre to be situated at Tallaght which is an essential part of the development. The decision to provide ambulatory and emergency care services at Tallaght is based on recommendations made in the reports of McKinsey and Co (2006) and international health service consultants, RKW (2007). The services planned for the Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght will meet the majority of paediatric ambulatory care needs, with all in-patient care provided in one hospital that can cater for in-patient requirements up to and including the safe management of the deterioration of a child's condition and internal transfer to critical care if required.
My Department is advised by the National Paediatric Development Board that the services planned for the Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght are as follows:
1. Emergency Care This unit will have 8 short-stay observation beds for children who do not require admission but require observation in the urgent care centre prior to discharge.
2. Day Care provided through 28 day care beds
3. Out-patients provided through 26 consultation examination rooms.
