Vol. 473 No. 1
17 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health the number of children using the services at Temple Street children's hospital; the proposals, if any, there are to relocate Temple Street children's hospital; if so, the proposed catchment area of the new hospital; the proposals, if any, he has for the development of paediatric services in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24520/96]
Limerick East): It has been agreed in principle that the Children's Hospital, Temple Street will be relocated on the campus of the Mater Hospital. It has also been accepted that future developments at the Mater Hospital would take into account the relocation of the Children's Hospital.
The catchment area of the Children's Hospital is Dublin north city and county. The Children's Hospital, Temple Street is a major centre for paediatrics and draws patients on a regional and national basis for specialised referrals and treatment. There are no plans to change the catchment area in the relocation to the Mater Hospital campus.
At present the Children's Hospital, Temple Street treats approximately 8,000 in-patients and over 3,000 day cases annually. In addition, there are circa 10,000 first attendances and 33,000 return attendances to the out-patient clinics. Casualty attendances are running at approximately 53,000 per year.
Paediatric services in the greater Dublin area will be developed in accordance with the service needs and paediatric hospitals will be funded having regard to the functions they are expected to perform.
