Independent Review of National Children’s Hospital project
Dr. James Reilly TD, Minister for Health, today (12 May 2011) announced details of an independent review of the project to build the new National Children’s Hospital on the site of the Mater Hospital in Dublin.
Firstly, a financial analysis will be carried out under the auspices of the European Health Property Network (EUPHN).
Mr. John Cooper, an eminent architect with worldwide experience in the area of hospital design and construction, has been nominated by EUPHN to do this exercise. Mr Cooper is also Chair of Architects for Health, a major UK association of architects and health care professionals which aims to promote excellence in the design of hospitals.
Secondly, a clinical review will be carried out informed by the above financial analysis. Mr Cooper, will report and work closely with four international experts drawn from the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and the Children’s Hospitals International Executive Forum (CHIEF). All four are CEOs of Children’s hospitals. Three are paediatric clinicians with extensive experience in the areas of clinical practice and hospital management. The fourth has substantial experience in the organisation and running of Children’s hospitals. The four CEOs will perform the clinical review so as to ensure the best possible clinical outcomes and quality of care for children.
The terms of reference for the financial analysis will be:
To examine and independently verify the estimated cost differentials identified in relation to building, equipping and running the proposed National Paediatric Hospital (a) if constructed on the site currently proposed and (b) if constructed to the same specification on notional alternative sites.
The clinical review will then be carried out by NACHRI/CHIEF with the following terms of reference:
To examine whether the potential clinical benefits, if any, of locating a Children’s hospital beside the Adult hospital on the Mater site outweigh:
- Any cost differential; and
- Any design issues, including access to the hospital.
To submit a final report to the Minister for Health, with any recommendations as considered appropriate, within four weeks of the commencement of the clinical review.
In announcing the Review the Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to the construction of a new Children’s hospital and the need to ensure that the project is delivered in the most cost effective way and with the maximum benefit for patients.
“It is my intention to ensure the best possible clinical outcomes for children within the resources available”, the Minister said. “I wish to thank the international experts who have agreed to carry out this review and I look forward to the delivery of their Report in the shortest possible timeframe.”
“It is my understanding an offer has been made to Ms Eilish Hardiman CEO of the National Paediatric Development Board (NPHDB) to take up the post of CEO of Tallaght Hospital. This offer is subject to ratification by the Board of Tallaght and I expect this to happen in the next week. I would like to congratulate her on this offer. She will do a great job judged on her work with NPHDB”
Ms Hardiman will not been leaving the NPHDB until later in the year. It is anticipated that this review will have been completed well before she leaves.
ENDS
Press and Communications Office
Department of Health & Children
(00 353) 1 635 3036/4159/4519/3042/4160
www.healthupdate.gov.ie
