Rotunda Hospital Defies Government Order on Private Patient Care by Public-Only Consultants
The Rotunda Hospital is defying a government order by allowing public-only consultants to treat private patients, challenging Sláintecare policy. Minister Carroll MacNeill raised concerns about insurance and refunds. The hospital, along with others, seeks exemptions, while insurers refuse claims for such private care.
The Rotunda Hospital board has reaffirmed its decision to allow public-only consultants to treat private patients on-site, defying a Government order. This stance challenges public health policy, specifically Sláintecare, which aims to remove private practice from public hospitals.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill questioned the Rotunda’s clinical indemnity insurance and suggested the hospital might owe refunds to women who received private care from public-only contract consultants. The Rotunda, despite having only one such doctor deliver two private patient babies between January and March, maintains its position on principle to keep private maternity care in publicly funded hospitals.
Two of Dublin’s three maternity hospitals, including the National Maternity Hospital, are now seeking exemptions from Sláintecare. The Rotunda has until Monday to provide the Health Service Executive (HSE) with a detailed audit of private work by public-only consultants, including revenue generated. The hospital’s board informed Carroll MacNeill it plans to cooperate with the HSE’s information request, while also seeking a meeting with the Minister to explain its rationale.
The HSE has indicated it may withhold or withdraw funding. Major insurers like VHI and Laya Healthcare have confirmed they will not process claims for private activity by public-only consultants. The Rotunda board, which made its decision in September 2024 for contracts effective December 2025, stated its priority is ensuring the best care for all patients, regardless of public or private status.