Crumlin wants overseas experts to assess site
Dr Finn Breathnach, a consultant paediatric oncologist at the children’s hospital in Crumlin, said he could not agree with the decision by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to locate the new children’s hospital beside the Mater Hospital in Dublin.
“We remain hugely concerned about the process by which this decision was reached. Not all options were considered,” said Dr Breathnach.
He pointed out that none of the international medical experts consulted by the HSE were asked about the Mater site.
Dr Breathnach knew that any panel of experts would recommend just one site for Ireland’s specialist children’s hospital — the population was too small to support two centres.
“What I want is what’s best for the children and all I am asking for is to have an independent review by international experts,” he said.
Dr Breathnach said he could not trust the process by which the decision to locate the national children’s hospital was reached.
The chairman of the board of Tallaght Hospital, Mr Alan Gillis, said earlier this week that his hospital would also refuse to move to the Mater site.
Tallaght Hospital has sought a meeting with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Health Minister Mary Harney before it makes its final decision next week.
The HSE has pointed out that the site at the Mater for the new national children’s hospital, which measures 100,000 square feet, is twice the size of all three existing children’s hospitals.
Ms Harney confirmed that the hospital, now at the design stage, was due to be completed in 2011.
The board of Our Lady’s Hospital is to meet next Wednesday and on the agenda will be the new national children’s hospital. It is understood that a number of proposals will be considered, including rebuilding the hospital on the site it now occupies.
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