Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:108. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the development of the new national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14911/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 1 April 2014
Ceisteanna (108)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board is responsible for this priority capital project, and is focused on delivering the new hospital on schedule, to optimal design and value for money. The Development Board is currently in the final selection phase of the process leading to the appointment of the Design Team. Short-listed architectural teams have been announced, and tender documents issued on 24 March to these and all shortlisted bidders across all design team disciplines.
The full design team is expected to be appointed in June and, following hospital design development, planning submission is expected in February 2015. A planning decision is expected in August 2015 and construction is scheduled to commence also in August 2015. Transition of services to the new children's hospital is expected to commence at the end of 2018. I also announced in January that satellite centres of the main hospital would be built on the campuses of Tallaght and Connolly hospitals. Each will provide urgent care and outpatient care, improving access for children in the Greater Dublin Area to these services and are expected to be complete in mid-2016.
The Children's Hospital Group is focused on ensuring the operational integration of the three existing children's hospital services well in advance of their move to the new hospital. This is of critical importance in ensuring the new hospital functions effectively from the outset.