Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
939 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if it is intended to facilitate, and include in the planning process, provision of family accommodation at the new children’s hospital by Ronald McDonald House who currently provide this service for Crumlin Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27007/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you will be aware, I have established an independent Review Group to consider the implications of the decision of An Bórd Pleanála, received on 23 February 2012, to reject the planning application for the proposed construction of a national paediatric hospital on the site of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. The aim of the Review is to consider all the possible options for the earliest possible delivery of a new children's hospital and the Group will present its findings on each of the possible options for my consideration.
I can confirm that the plans for the hospital at the Mater site provided for parental accommodation to be available within the hospital for parents of children in the neonatal intensive care unit and children admitted to the other critical care units. This accommodation was to be provided within a family overnight unit which would provide en-suite bedrooms with suitable support accommodation. This feature will no doubt be an important part of any children's hospital, wherever sited.
I will await the completion of the Group's work before making any further comment on the matter.
