National Children's Hospital delays full opening until 2026 due to clinical risks

The opening of Ireland's new National Children’s Hospital has been further delayed, with predictions that it may not accept patients until 2026 due to concerns about transferring patients during winter months, which poses clinical risks. While construction is expected to be completed by June 2025, a subsequent operational commissioning phase will take at least six months, and the migration of patients cannot occur in the winter for safety reasons. The total projected cost of the hospital has reached €2.24 billion, with significant portions allocated for integration of services and digital health systems. The relationship between the construction firm BAM and the hospital's development board has soured over delays and financial disputes. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has been urged to take control of the project to ensure it meets its revised timeline. The complex process involves not only construction but also training over 4,000 staff and integrating three existing hospitals into the new facility.