Written answers

Wednesday, 5 April 2006

Department of Health and Children

Hospitals Building Programme

9:00 pm

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 192: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the promised provision of a modern children's hospital on the Mater Hospital site to replace Temple Street Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13790/06]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Mater and Children's Hospital development project was planned some years ago with a view to significantly improving the facilities for patients and staff at both hospitals. It was envisaged at that time that paediatric secondary and tertiary services could appropriately be provided at more than one location. However, it is clear from the recent McKinsey report, which was produced on foot of my request that the Health Service Executive undertake a review of tertiary, highly specialised paediatric services, that best outcomes for children demand one national tertiary paediatric centre, which would also provide all secondary paediatric services for the greater Dublin area. The report recommended that these secondary services be supported by strategically located accident and emergency facilities.

The report also recommended that ideally the new facility should be located on the site of, or adjacent to, a major adult teaching hospital in order to achieve the maximum service benefit for children. Arising from the report's recommendations, a joint HSE-Department of Health and Children task group was established to progress matters and to advise on the optimal location for the new facility. The group has received proposals from all of the major Dublin teaching hospitals to accommodate the new children's hospital. The group has also received proposals from a number of private sector interest groups. Its report is expected shortly.

The work and recommendations of the task group clearly have implications for all three Dublin children's hospitals, including the Children's University Hospital, Temple Street. My primary concern is to ensure the solution arrived at is in the best interests of the children of this country.

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