Minister opens new Operating Theatres 14 June 2004
14 Jun 2004

Seven new state of the art operating theatres, day unit and sterile department were opened on Monday, 14 June 2004 at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin, by the Minister for Health and Children Mr Micheal Martin, T.D.

Two of the new theatres are specifically equipped for cardiac surgery on children with congenital heart defects.  This is a major step forward in cardiac care for children in Ireland.

The new Orthopaedic Theatre includes new technology which will allow surgeons at Ireland's largest children's hospital to undertake new operative procedures for children with spinal problems.

Two laser theatres which are part of the suite of facilities opened today will allow for surgical procedures for children with airway problems and congenital skin malformations.

"This development is a major step forward for the hospital," CEO Gerry O'Dwyer said today. "It brings our surgical facilities forward to best world practice and standards."

A new video system in the theatres will transmit real time images to the educational lecture rooms at the hospital. 

"This new facility will provide education of post and under graduate professionals in medical, nursing and allied health care and will assist in international meetings," said Dr Pat Doherty, Consultant Anaesthetist.

The Minister today opened a new Day Surgical Unit. It includes a child-friendly play/waiting area for children before they go for surgery, and an eleven bedded post operative unit.

The Ark Cultural Centre for Children commissioned six major Irish artists to produce work for the new surgical theatres and day unit. The artworks are designed to make the sterile and unfamiliar environment of the hospital a less frightening place for children who come in as patients. 

The Minister during his visit to the hospital launched a project aimed at discovering the genetic factors involved in autism. The International Autism Genome Project is a joint venture with the National Centre of Medical Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and the Dublin Molecular Medicine Consortium.  What the project reveals about the genetic factor in autism will, it is hoped, lead to more accurate diagnosis and improved treatment for children and adults with autism.

"The year 2004 will see the largest investment in the development of this hospital since it opened in 1956 and we will continue to improve facilities until they are of the highest standard" said Chairman Frank Feely. "A design team was set up a number of months ago to report on the best overall redevelopment options for the hospital and they will report to the Board in September 2004.  The redevelopment team includes representatives from the hospital, Eastern Regional Health Authority and the Department of Health and Children.

The Chairman, Mr Feely added that Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin has an unequalled track record of national and international collaboration on the development of better ways to diagnose and treat childhood illnesses. The hospital currently partners with St Jude Children's Research Hospital in the United States. "St Jude's is one of the world premier centres for research and treatment of potentially fatal childhood diseases," said Mr Feely. "We are working hard to build a close relationship between the two hospitals on clinical and research matters.  It is the first such collaboration between the world famous Tennessee facility and a European hospital. We are delighted that the Minister has granted ?250,000 towards Telemedicine to Our Lady's Hospital to facilitate this collaboration which will have enormous benefit for the children of Ireland."