Crumlin theatre not likely to re-open

Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin is not planning to re-open an operating theatre it closed earlier this year as a cutback measure, despite the HSE recently asking the hospital to reopen it.

The hospital has indicated that it has to keep the theatre close in order to break even financially at the end of 2009.

The hospital, which in February was projecting a €9.6 million deficit for 2009, now says it is expecting to break even financially at the end of the year, having implemented a number of savings measures since the spring.

These included the theatre and ward closures, cuts in outpatient clinics and non-replacement of staff. During the summer, the hospital rowed back on a plan to close another theatre and more beds.

irishhealth.com recently revealed, however, that the HSE at the end of last month told Crumlin that in its view, the theatre that was closed should be reopened.

The HSE said even if the theatre was reopened, it should still leave Crumlin in a position to break even financially at the end of the year.

However, the hospital clearly does not agree with this assessment. A spokeswoman told irishhealth.com that the theatre closures, together with the closure of the 25-bed ward, "formed an integral element of the breakeven plan."

The spokeswoman said it is on target in relation to the delivery of day cases and inpatient treatment projected for 2009. It added that cardiac and cancer surgery has not been affected by the theatre closure.

The hospital says the service impact of the breakeven plan, incuding the theatre and ward closure, is under constant review.

It was recently revealed that the HSE had expressed concern over the fact that over 100 children are on a waiting list for cardiac surgery at Crumlin, including 25 in need of urgent surgery.

However, Crumlin Hospital says a critical limiting factor with the heart surgery waiting list is the shortage of paediatric ICU facilities.

The HSE has promised to fund an expansion of these facilities, but this development will not be provided for 18 months.

[Posted: Tue 27/10/2009]