REACTION:THE DECISION to proceed with the development of a national children's hospital on the Mater campus in Dublin has been broadly welcomed.
Temple Street Children’s University Hospital, which is to be merged into the facility, said it was pleased with the decision and urged the Government to act swiftly in approving funds for the development.
“Best international practice conclusively supports trilocation of an acute paediatric hospital with a major acute adult hospital and a maternity hospital. The Eccles Street site provides this.”
Chairman of the Mater hospital John Morgan and Rotunda maternity hospital chairman Alan Ashe said they would continue to work closely with their partner hospitals to progress the development of a “world class” children’s hospital.
Ombudsman for Children Emily Logan said she was encouraged by the news but that her interest was not in the location of the hospital but rather the greater agenda of children’s health. “My interest is in accountability from the Government and putting children at the centre of the project,” she said.
The development board for the new children’s hospital said it would meet early next week to formally approve the planning application and then submit it before the end of this month.
Fianna Fáil health spokesman Billy Kelleher said the project was “vital” for children in Ireland. Sinn Féin health spokesman Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said it was important the hospital was built.
Roisin Healy, of the New Children’s Hospital Alliance, was critical of the decision. “I don’t think the funding is there and I don’t think children’s rights were put first,” she said.
The charity Children in Hospital Ireland said it was time for all parties involved “to unite to ensure the new children’s hospital will be the best in the world” and becomes a reality before long.