I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 211 to 213, inclusive, together.
Following extensive mediation discussions, agreement was reached late last year between the St. Vincent's Healthcare Group and the National Maternity Hospital on the relocation of the NMH to the Elm Park campus. The terms of the agreement, which has now been published, provides for the establishment of a new company - The National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park DAC (limited by shares)”.
The new company will have clinical and operational, as well as financial and budgetary independence in the provision of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services. This independence will be assured by the reserved powers which are set out in the agreement and will be copperfastened by the golden share which will be held by the Minister for Health of the day. These reserved powers can only be amended with the unanimous written approval of the Directors and with the approval of the Minister for Health.
The Board of the new NMH will comprise 9 directors; four nominated by SVHG, four by NMH, including the Master, and one will be an international expert in obstetrics and gynaecology. The international expert will be chosen from a list of candidates drawn up by SVHG and the NMH Trust. They will be assessed by a Selection Committee, chaired by the SVHG Clinical Director, and the other members will include the SVHG CEO and a representative from the NMH Trust. Any proposed nominee will be appointed by the Selection Committee after consultation with the SVHG Nominations Committee, and the NMH Directors on the Board of NMH at Elm Park DAC (limited by shares).
Already, there are existing dual staff appointment arrangements between the two hospitals and I expect that such arrangements will continue following the relocation of the NMH.
The agreement ensures that a full range of health services will be available at the new NMH without religious, ethnic or other distinction. In that regard, I welcome the confirmation by the Board of St Vincent’s Healthcare Group that any medical procedure, which is in accordance with the laws of this State, will be carried out at the new hospital.
Now that the planning application for the development has been submitted we must now turn our focus to the legal mechanisms necessary to complete the project. The hospital will be publicly funded, built on lands in the ownership of St. Vincent’s and operated by the new company. Over the next few weeks I will meet with both hospitals and will consider further the legal mechanisms necessary to absolutely protect the State's considerable investment in the hospital, including the issue of ownership of the new facility. I have indicated that, prior to the HSE entering into any construction contract, I will formally sanction the necessary arrangements to ensure that the facilities are legally secured on an on-going basis for the delivery of publicly funded maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services commitments. I should add that over the years we have made very significant capital investment in voluntary hospitals, and such facilities have always continued to be used for the delivery of publicly funded healthcare as intended.
I intend to report to Government on this project at the end of May. At that stage I expect to have further details on the legal and other arrangements envisaged and will make this information available publicly. This will allow for the necessary clarity well in advance of contractual or other commitments being entered into in respect of this project.
Finally, I would like reaffirm my commitment to this hugely important project. The facilities at Holles St are no longer fit for purpose. It is also acknowledged that for optimal clinical outcomes, maternity services should be co-located with adult acute services. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver the new National Maternity Hospital which is so badly needed to provide women and infants with modern healthcare facilities.
