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Health Minister Plays Down Prospect Of Further Delays To The National Children's Hospital

File image: Rolling News

Children's hospital board says 'minor works' are needed in operating theatres

The Health Minister has downplayed the prospect of further delays to the National Children's Hospital.

It follows reports that the hospital's lead contractor has been asked to stop building some operating theatres.

It's believed to relate to an air circulation system, which Sinn Féin claims could add an extra 50 million euro to costs.

Minister Stephen Donnelly says these changes are not set in stone, and would only impact a small number of rooms:

Meanwhile, the HSE has implemented a freeze on the recruitment of managers and admin staff.

No duration has been specified for the 'temporary pause' which will impact any current applications submitted.

Since 2019, 5200 staff were recruited according to the Irish Times - which is twice as many as the number of doctors hired.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says the move was made by HSE CEO Bernard Gloster, in an effort to cut costs:

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