The outgoing government has serious questions to answer following the resignation of the interim chief executive of CHI, which could result in further delays to the opening of the National Children’s Hospital, according to Jennifer Whitmore of the Social Democrats.
Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said:
“I am deeply concerned at reports today that the interim CEO of Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) has resigned. This comes at a critical phase of the development of the National Children’s Hospital project, which has been beset by unacceptably long delays and scandalous cost overruns.
“The Minister for Health must now account for the Government’s inexplicable failure to appoint a permanent CEO to the role, who will be responsible for overseeing the monumental task of merging the three existing children’s hospitals into the new development at St James’s.
“As far back as April, a confidential report prepared by consultants KPMG raised troubling questions about the HSE’s readiness to commission and operate the National Children’s Hospital.
“This report highlighted gaps in senior leadership teams, a lack of clarity around the future operating model and resourcing of the hospital, as well as a drift in completion dates. However, of particular concern was the absence of a permanent CEO for the new hospital.
“While the Government has been keen to put most of the blame on developer BAM for delays to the project, the absence of a proper management structure, including a permanent CEO, is their failure – and their failure alone.
“The outgoing government must now clarify how far plans have progressed to identify a new chief executive for CHI and confirm when this appointment will be made. It would be unconscionable if lack of planning and preparation further delayed the treatment of sick children in the new hospital.”
November 25, 2024