A newly refurbished and extended Emergency Department (ED) has been officially opened at Temple Street Children's University Hospital.

The extension includes a second two-bay rapid assessment and treatment unit, two extra single treatment rooms and a new reception and waiting area.

Last year, the ED saw almost 50,000 children and it is hoped that these new facilities will improve the experiences of young patients and their families.

Speaking at the official opening of the extended ED, the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, said that staff at the hospital ‘do the people of Ireland proud'.

"Their commitment to delivering the best care for children is well recognised and the level of engagement with other children's services, in particular with the National Children's Hospital in Tallaght and Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin, ensures that young people get the very best of our health service.

"I would like to commend the staff on their continuing professionalism and their uninterrupted service during the phased refurbishment of the ED," he commented.