BAM Contractors have been awarded the contract for the first phase of works at the New Children’s Hospital.

Minister for Health, Simon Harris along with the CEOs of the three children’s hospitals, the CEO of St. James’s Hospital, Master of the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, the CEO of the Children’s Hospital Group and the Project Director for the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board were on the site of the new children’s hospital to mark the commencement of the first phase of construction.

Construction equipment has arrived on site and will be put to use in the coming weeks as works get underway on this much needed and much wanted project. The new children’s hospital is being built on the 50 acre campus shared with St. James’s Hospital. The location of the hospital was selected in 2012 following a comprehensive process which involved local and international experts. As is best practice internationally, the new children’s hospital will be tri-located with an adult teaching hospital and in due course, with the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital.

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Speaking at the photocall to mark this special day, Minister for Health, Simon Harris said: “The delivery of the new children’s hospital is a landmark capital project for this Government and for the country.  I am delighted to be here for the commencement of the first phase of construction, a major step towards transforming how paediatric care is delivered in this country.  Bringing together the three children’s hospitals under one roof will mean that the sickest children will no longer have to move from hospital to hospital to avail of the care they need.   It will also lead to better clinical outcomes for children as there will be greater opportunities for staff to work together across disciplines.  Children and young people receiving complex treatment and care, young people transitioning to adult services, as well as the sickest new-borns and mothers, will greatly benefit from specialist services coming together on this campus. The start of the first phase of construction today means we are taking a key step in making the vision of this world class facility a reality.”

Theo Cullinane, CEO, BAM Contractors said: “We are delighted to work with the NPHDB and the Children’s Hospital Group on the first phase of construction of this flagship national project. We understand the importance of this development and the impact that it will have on children, young people and families once complete. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to play our part in delivering this project for the people of Ireland.”   

Speaking about today’s developments, Project Director, NPHDB, John Pollock said: “Working with the world class design team, extensive time and effort has gone into designing what will be one of the finest children’s hospitals in the world. Extensive engagement and consultation with families, staff and the local community has helped to inform this design, bringing us closer to the delivery of what will be a fantastic modern facility for children and young people.  We are very proud of what has been achieved in the design and I am delighted that, following the recent receipt of planning permission, we are now moving to the construction phase of the project which is another major milestone.  I would like to congratulate BAM Contractors who have been appointed to undertake the first phase of construction. We look forward to working with them in the weeks and months ahead on this eagerly awaited project.”

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Eilísh Hardiman, Chief Executive of the Children’s Hospital Group said: “The new children’s hospital, with its world class design, will be at the centre of a new clinical network for paediatric services in Ireland that support keeping appropriate paediatric services local.  The new hospital, tri-located with an adult hospital and in time with a maternity hospital, will provide the sickest children in the country with access to a full range of medical, surgical and diagnostic specialities. This will improve survivorship, clinical outcomes and provide greater opportunities to partner in areas of clinical research and innovation. Today marks a special day as we see the physical works commence and we look forward to work on the new Urgent Care Centres at Tallaght and Blanchardstown beginning later this year.”