Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 638: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the discussions that have taken place between her Department, the Health Service Executive and the Department of Finance in connection with the €850 million commitment under the national development plan to establish a national paediatric hospital and associated ambulatory care units at Tallaght and other locations; the number of such meetings in 2008; the dates of same; if the ambulatory care units which were to be established in four locations are only being established at one location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29889/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Discussions have taken place between my Department, the Health Service Executive and the Department of Finance on the HSE's Capital Plan. The Capital Plan includes provision for the development of the National Paediatric Hospital and the associated Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght.

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board was established in May 2007. Its primary function is to plan, design, furnish and equip the new paediatric hospital. The HSE is working closely with the Board in progressing the project.

The project is currently at initiation stage. A detailed Development Brief for the new hospital is being prepared and is due for completion by the end of the 1st Quarter 2009. The Development Brief will be converted into a detailed design, outlining the exact dimensions and specifications for the new hospital, to allow the project proceed to tender for construction.

The Development Brief for the National Paediatric Hospital will be informed by the work undertaken last year for the HSE by RKW, a UK-based healthcare planning company. RKW recommended that an Ambulatory and Urgent Care service be established and operated by the new hospital. They recommended that the first off-site Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre (A/UCC) be developed as a pilot project at Tallaght Hospital and offer a range of services including urgent care consultations, outpatient services and day surgery.

RKW advised that a second A/UCC could be developed at Blanchardstown once the initial model has been evaluated and should be timed to introduce additional capacity at the point when it is required to meet projected growth in population demand. They also identified potential for consultant led paediatric outpatient services at Loughlinstown and advised that consideration be given to establishing a nurse led minor injury service. The Loughlinstown service model would be informed by the experience of the earlier centres.