Réada Cronin
Ceist:423. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health when the new National Children's Hospital is due to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45560/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 7 November 2024
Ceisteanna (423)
Freagraí scríofa
The timely completion of the New Children’s Hospital (NCH) is a Government priority. Everything possible is being done to ensure the project is completed as soon as possible on behalf of children, young people and their families.
The two satellite centres, which represent major milestones in the programme, are open and delivering the new model of care. Construction of the new hospital has advanced to over 94% complete against contract value, with the fit out of rooms and installation of medical equipment well underway.
The substantial completion of NCH is informed by the contractor’s programme of works and its ability to meet the targets set out in its own programme. ?
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has advised that, on 2 October 2024, BAM Ireland submitted an updated programme underpinning its intention to complete the NCH by June 2025. That programme remains under review by the independent contract administrator. BAM Ireland has also publicly noted its commitment to the project, and its completion of the project by June 2025.
NPHDB is continuing to use the full extent of levers available to it under the contract to hold BAM to its new commitment of substantially completing the hospital by June 2025.
Once substantial completion is achieved, the hospital will be handed over to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) for a post substantial completion operational commissioning period of at least 6 months.
Ahead of the transition to the new facilities, a significant body of work is ongoing to integrate the three hospitals from a clinical, operational, and cultural perspective.
While much focus has been on the challenges faced by the project, it is important to note that once open, the NCH will provide world class facilities to its patients. The NCH is unprecedented in scale, facilities, and technological advancement. It will be transformational in how we treat and deliver care to children and their families. The hospital has been designed and constructed to be as enduring and adaptable as possible. It is a building for the next 75-100 years, rather than the 40-50 years of other hospitals internationally.