Roof damage in IT server building is ‘major’ risk – Rotunda

Roof damage at the Rotunda Hospital’s colposcopy/administration building represents a “major” infrastructural risk as it houses the main IT server room, a spokesperson has confirmed.

“This is a major infrastructure risk as this area houses our main IT server room. This is a flat roof structure which is prone to water damage and egress when there is major rainfall,” according to the spokesperson.

“It has been constantly patched and repaired, but after a leak to the IT server room and assessment by an engineer, it was decided that the best course of action was to completely replace the roof, which is a significant body of work and will require funding from HSE Estates.”

The issue has been included in a priority submission made to HSE Estates for funding for minor works. Estimates were provided as a tender process will be required.

A meeting of the Rotunda’s board last November heard that remedial works to the roof were not initially a high priority, but a “subsequent detrition in water ingress was outlined”.

The “location of IT servers in the building is a major risk with serious implications”, heard the board.

The aged and cramped infrastructure at the Rotunda has led to a range of safety risks. A cap on admissions in the neonatal intensive care unit remains in place to mitigate infection risks. The hospital is seeking a new critical care wing, which it considers an urgent requirement.

In January, during a Dáil debate on maternity services, Minister of State for Disabilities Anne Rabbitte noted that “in the medium-term” the Rotunda will be co-located with Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown.

She said given the plans to redevelop the Rotunda, “we must ensure that any interim development and investment must be limited to the extent necessary to address priority patient safety risks.”