Mr. Derek Tierney:

That is a commitment we will give at this committee now. We will work again with CHI to amplify the outcomes we expect the programme to deliver, as well the construction progress update. If we look at progress to date through the two satellite centres, very clearly the opening of CHI Connolly outpatient and urgent care centre in July 2019 is already delivering on that vision. I can give the Deputy some facts and I believe this is the level of detail he is looking to uncover. Up to the end of August 2022, over 14,000 children had presented to CHI Connolly urgent care centre, which is an increase from 6,795 in 2020. The current full year projected activity for 2022 is around 27,500 cases. Up to the end of August 2022, 7,500 children attended their outpatient appointment at CHI Connolly and projected outpatient activity for 2022 is just 11,500. CHI Connolly commenced opening at weekends in March 2022, further improving paediatric urgent care services for the greater Dublin area. Currently 75% of children attending are seen and treated within three hours. We can also confirm that additional X-ray and ultrasound activity is being undertaken by radiographers in CHI Connolly, which has the additional benefit of freeing up some capacity within CHI Crumlin and CHI Temple as we head into the winter season. CHI Connolly has provided invaluable physical capacity for several waiting list drives positively impacting on waiting times in the specialties of allergy, gastrointestinal and ultrasound diagnostics. I draw out these points to reaffirm the Deputy's comments that the paediatric model of care is currently delivering, notwithstanding that we are progressing completion of the site at St. James's. I agree with the Deputy that it is important to communicate more with the public and our stakeholders to show we are already starting to derive benefits even though we are 80% complete on the campus at St. James's. I can also give an update on Tallaght, given that it has been open just over a year. I can provide the committee with a note after the meeting. We will look to underscore more communications in this area.