The first phase of a new €20 million extension at the Coombe Women's Hospital in Dublin has been opened.
It was officially opened by the Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Mary Harney.
The 14-bed post-natal facility will also include a new Caesarean section theatre, 14 individual delivery suites and an 18-cot intensive care unit.
Over 8,000 babies were born at the hospital last year, the highest number of deliveries in the Coombe's history.
The Coombe is the primary maternity and gynaecological service for the Dublin southwest area and Naas.
