Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
307. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the level of additional core expenditure for new developments, excluding funding for carryover and otherwise maintaining existing levels of service, which has been allocated to the Rotunda Hospital for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49110/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rotunda Hospital is the lead maternity centre for the RCSI Hospital Group.
As Minister for Health, I am committed to the ongoing development of the Rotunda Hospital. The budget for the hospital has increased from €65.8m in 2019 to €76m in 2022, an increase of 15.4%. There has also been significant capital investment in services in the Rotunda Hospital in recent years. Enhancements in services completed include:
- A major works programme completed in 2022 which enabled commissioning of additional and compliant theatre capacity;
- There are now 3 Operating theatres with one dedicated gynaecology theatre.
- Delivery Suites were extensively refurbished to modern standard and there are now 9 permanent delivery suites.
- The Emergency Rooms were refurbished and expanded.
- A new Ambulatory Gynaecology “see-and-treat” unit for women’s healthcare was commissioned and opened in 2021. This included 9 Consulting rooms, Radiology, pathology and minor operating capacity.
The HSE are currently developing plans for redevelopment of the existing hospital, including a new critical care wing and relocation of outpatient services.
Following the announcement of the budget allocation for my Department, I will shortly be issuing a Letter of Determination to the HSE outlining my priorities and funding levels for 2024. This will be the basis on which the HSE will draw up its National Service Plan (NSP) for 2024. It is not until the conclusion of this process that a detailed breakdown of non-core expenditure will be available.
