An independent review of the decision to locate the new national children’s hospital on the site of the Mater hospital in Dublin has affirmed that the correct site was chosen, according to reports.
The recommendations of the New Children's Hospital Group are expected to be brought to Cabinet tomorrow and an announcement is due on Wednesday, reports said this evening.
When announcing the review in May, Minister for Health James Reilly reiterated the Government's commitment to the construction of a new children's hospital and the need to ensure the project is delivered in the most cost-effective way and with the maximum benefit for patients.
Briefing documents for the Minister stated the project could cost about €50 million less if built on a greenfield site.
Fianna Fáil’s health spokesman Billy Kelleher TD welcomed the decision.
He said it was “a significant endorsement of the decision taken by the Fianna Fáil-led government following the publication of the McKinsey Children’s Health First report.
“The news this evening that an independent panel of experts appointed by the Minister for Health has endorsed the Mater hospital site as the best location for the new national children’s hospital is a welcome development and should be immediately endorsed this week by the Cabinet, clearing the way for progress to be made on this critical project,” Mr Kelleher said.
He said almost €30m had already been spent on designing the new hospital, which is due to be operational in 2015.
“I am deeply concerned that this timeframe, which was ambitious in the first instance, may not be met.”
Mr Kelleher said it was essential that all those involved in the project along with Mr Reilly and the entire Cabinet endorse the finding of this review and move the project along.