Rotunda Hospital confirms plans to develop Parnell Square site

The Rotunda Hospital has announced its intention to develop its current Parnell Square site, signaling a clarified future for the institution. The hospital presented its plans to the Oireachtas Committee on Health, indicating a commitment to remaining and expanding its services at the historic location.

“

The importance of the CCW, in terms of national infrastructure, is evidenced by the fact that while it is one of four national specialised referral facilities, it cared for 32% of all babies transferred for care last year.

Central to these plans is the revision of a proposed €100 million critical care wing (CCW). An Coimisiún Pleanála had previously overturned planning permission for this vital unit. Master of the Rotunda, Professor Seán Daly, emphasized the CCW's national importance, noting that it handles a significant portion of babies transferred for specialized care. He described the new unit as de facto national infrastructure, crucial for expanding capacity for very premature or critically ill infants nationwide.

Professor Daly also highlighted the hospital's close clinical links with the nearby Mater hospital, a major "Level 4" facility. He contrasted this with the Maternity Strategy's earlier suggestion of a move to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, which is a "Level 3" facility without plans for upgrades. The Minister for Health has indicated a focus on the Rotunda's future at its current site.

“

The Maternity Strategy 2016-2026 suggested that the Rotunda would move to the site of Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown but Prof Daly told the committee that Connolly is a 'Level 3' hospital, with no plans to upgrade it.

Meanwhile, the Health Service Executive (HSE) provided an update on the 2016 National Maternity Strategy, expecting its evaluation by the end of June. The HSE noted a rising complexity in maternity services, including increased induction and Cesarean section rates, and a higher percentage of births among women over 35. The proportion of mothers born outside Ireland has also risen to over 28.8%. The report also pointed to considerable staffing pressures and outdated infrastructure across maternity units, with only five of nineteen meeting HIQA standards in a 2020 review.

“

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill in February that said her intention is to focus on the future of the Rotunda on the current site, and it is open to a future government to take a different approach.

Professor Daly mentioned that the revised development plan for the new unit will be one floor shorter than the original proposal, acknowledging conservation concerns. The committee chairperson expressed surprise at the HSE's admission of no agreed definition for "co-location" of maternity services.

“

Maternity services are seeing a higher level of complexity, increased rates of induction of labour and Caesarean section, and an increase in the percentage of women aged over 35 years giving birth.