Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 December 2018
149. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the relocation of the national maternity hospital to St. Vincent’s University Hospital; the timeframe for same; the issues arising with regard to ownership; if religious ethos will not be a factor in clinical practice in the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52632/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been quite clear that care in the new maternity hospital on the St. Vincent's University Hospital campus will be delivered without religious, ethnic or other distinction and as such any medical procedure which is in accordance with the laws of the land will be carried out there.
Considerable work has been undertaken to develop a legal framework to protect the State's significant investment in the new hospital and to ensure that the new hospital building will remain in State ownership. This legal framework will also underpin the operational and clinical independence of the new hospital. The proposals will require consideration by Government, the National Maternity Hospital and the St Vincent’s Healthcare Group before they are finalised.
