The future of Hume Street hospital in Dublin has been thrown into serious doubt because of fire risks, according to hospital board sources, writes Marc Coleman.
The risks were identified in a consultants' report commissioned by the hospital's chief executive last May.
The report, dated July 12th, states that "fire precaution in the hospital building is below an acceptable level". It says that "if the fire authorities were to inspect the building, they would consider the building a potentially dangerous building and issue a fire safety notice under the Fire Services Act requiring the closure of the building until the type of precautions described below are implemented".
Board sources have indicated that fire cover is only being provided by the hospital's insurance company on a month-to-month basis.
The hospital's board discussed the situation at a meeting last Thursday and decided to set up a subcommittee to examine options for the hospital's future. Some board members are already convinced, however, that the hospital may have to close in the comparatively near future.
The hospital, which was founded in 1911, pioneered cancer treatment in Ireland, but since 1985 it has specialised solely in dermatology treatment. Approximately 20,000 patients are treated annually, according to the Health Service Executive.
Hospital chief executive Robert Martin yesterday declined to comment beyond confirming that the hospital faces a fire safety problem and that this had been discussed at Thursday's board meeting.
The report by consultants Diarmuid P Kelly and Associates, which has been seen by The Irish Times, highlights inadequate fire escape facilities and a lack of protection against the spread of fire, caused by inadequate compartmentation in the building. One board member said yesterday it would be "difficult" for the hospital to rectify the deficiencies in a reasonable timeframe.
Gary Keegan, a board member and a Fianna Fáil councillor, yesterday urged the Government to ensure that the hospital's future was not dictated by a lack of funding.
"The board is faced with a very difficult decision and now needs some time to consider the hospital's future. I would call on the Minister for Health to ensure that the Health Service Executive fully facilitates the board in this process, including making available whatever funding is necessary.
"The hospital's closure would be extremely regrettable but there are a number of options available which could guarantee its future," he said.
The hospital - formally known as the City of Dublin Skin & Cancer Hospital - operates as a charitable trust. Its grounds constitute one of the most valuable potential development sites in Dublin but it is not clear what would happen to the site or to the trust's resources in the event of the hospital closing.