According to a recent report, the Department of Health is eager to move three of the capital’s maternity hospitals following a recent review of the services available.

The plan, which is due to be published this afternoon, outlines the proposed changes and suggests the relocation of the Rotunda Hospital, Holles Street and The Coombe.

As a result of space issues within all three hospitals, it has been suggested that the Rotunda Hospital be relocated to Blanchardstown while Holles Street will move to St. Vincent’s and the Coombe will be relocated to St. James’ Hospital.

The suggested relocation of facilities comes after 20,000 babies were born in 2013 in facilities which could not provide sufficient space.

Commenting on the proposed plan, Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar said: "While the Rotunda and the Coombe have served Dublin and the country well as standalone hospitals, current best practice is to co-locate maternity hospitals with adult acute hospitals."

The plan has the support of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, with the general-secretary of the organisation, Liam Doran, asserting that the current facilities are simply not suitable.

It has not yet been established whether today's report includes potential costs or a proposed timeframe for potential relocations, however it is understood the plan will lead the way for the development of three 21st century maternity hospitals.

40% of children born in Ireland are delivered in one of the three aforementioned hospitals.


 

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