Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2024
1016. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health his plans for the Connolly Hospital paediatric dental general anaesthetic unit in James Connolly Hospital which was due to open in 2019 but has not opened since its construction and has remained idle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43985/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department engage with the HSE on an ongoing basis to understand and address the challenges in the provision of oral healthcare services. Some patients may require access to care under sedation to enable them to accept oral healthcare and treatment - which may include Inhalation Sedation, IV Sedation and General Anaesthetic.
General anaesthetic services for primary care oral healthcare patients are facilitated in a number of
locations. Most locations are HSE hospitals but in some cases lists are carried out in private
hospitals through local arrangements or access may involve the patient travelling to an
adjacent health region. Children with complex medical needs or who are under the age of 2
are referred to Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin, and Temple Street Hospital.
The development of Oral Healthcare Services under General Anaesthesia at the Urgent Care Centre at Connolly Hospital is a joint development between HSE Oral Healthcare Services and Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) - who will provide clinical governance and continuity in patient pathways between primary care patients and those whose treatment is more appropriately provided through the CHI Consultant Oral Healthcare Service.
As an interface service between the HSE Oral Healthcare Services and CHI, completion and
commissioning of the unit requires the development of new patient care pathways, staffing
arrangements and service guidelines, the development of which is being undertaken against
a background of consolidation of existing children’s hospital units into a single service, as well as the transition to the Health Region model.
A level of investment in infrastructure and equipping has been completed, however, remaining
clinical governance and staffing arrangements for anaesthetic and nursing care need to be established in order to complete commissioning of the unit.
