A £2 million refurbishment of Temple Street children's hospital was announced by the Minister for Health yesterday. The money will be used to upgrade the accident and emergency department and for a 20bed day ward.
Mr Cowen said when he visited the hospital last year it was evident a number of the facilities there would benefit from up-grading. "The existing facilities are inadequate to meet the demands of the hospital and particularly having regard to the recent relocation of Harcourt Street hospital to Tallaght."
Mr Cowen made the announcement at the official opening of the National Meningococcal Reference Laboratory (MRL) at the hospital. The laboratory provides monthly reports to the Department and community care director of each health board on meningitis incidence and type.
Mr Cowen also announced extra funding, over £500,000, for the extension of St Clare's Child Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Unit. On the future of Temple Street Children's Hospital, Mr Cowen said the relocation to the Mater campus had been considered for some time by the Sisters of Charity and the Mercy Sisters. A design team has been appointed for Phase 1 of the development.