10 reasons why Tallaght should be the site for new children’s hospital

THERE are 10 reasons to shift the planned new National Children’s Hospital from the Mater site specifically to Tallaght, and to have only one advanced tertiary facility in the State for children.

1. Inner-city air pollution is higher at the Mater than in Tallaght

2. Traffic restricts access to the Mater, except in the early hours.

3. Access for traffic from outside Dublin, where 3.1m of our 4.2m people live, is worse if the Mater is retained.

4. Helicopter access for emergencies is restricted

5. Tallaght is close to Baldonnel airbase and quick transfer, by helicopter or ambulance, is possible.

6. There is space in Tallaght to construct accommodation for parents

7. The ideal of co-locating with a maternity hospital can be met, and that also would serve the need of a large regional population for such services.

8. Tallaght has our newest major hospital, and an excellent reputation in all respects.

9. Tallaght can easily expand its range of either on-site services or research/teaching links to upgrade its capability to the highest level needed.

10. The international consensus on the need for specialised services for major health problems affecting our children requires that, given our modest population and geographical area, we have only one such tertiary hospital.

The mere fact that a decision has been announced, be it by HSE or Government, is no reason to continue with a clearly flawed choice.

I have no vested interest in or connection with any of the institutions involved.

Tom Carew

Merton Drive

Ranelagh

Dublin 6