Emergency dept at CHI at Tallaght to close for four days

The emergency care unit at CHI at Tallaght children's hospital will close for four days later this week to facilitate an IT systems changeover.

The unit will close from midnight on Thursday, 24 September and will re-open at 8am on Tuesday, 29 September.

Children requiring emergency care during the closure should attend the emergency department at CHI at Crumlin hospital.

CHI at Crumlin will have additional capacity in place, provided by staff from CHI at Tallaght.

Additional capacity will also be in place at CHI at Connolly Urgent Care Centre.

However, Children's Health Ireland said this is not for emergency care and is an appointment-based service.

GPs, walk-in clinics and pharmacists should be attended for minor illnesses or concerns.

CHI said the closure at CHI at Tallaght is required to safely transition from the Tallaght University Hospital IT network systems to CHI-supported systems and infrastructure.

The changeover marks an important milestone in preparations for the Nactional Children's Hospital Ireland, CHI said, and enables the planned introduction of the Epic electronic health record system.

CHI CEO Professor Lucy Nugent said the temporary closure is "an important step in keeping our plans for the National Children's Hospital Ireland moving forward".

CHI Clinical Director Dr Turlough Bolger said the priority during the transition is "the safety and wellbeing of children and young people".

"Our clinical teams have worked closely together to ensure appropriate care pathways and additional capacity are in place, so that families can access the specialist paediatric care they need during the closure.

"It's an exciting time and we look forward to using the new and updated systems, which will ultimately enhance the service we provide."