Approval from the Department of Health for enabling works to proceed on the next phase of the new 60 bed modular unit at University Hospital Limerick has been described by Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey as a sign of the Government’s commitment to a project that is vital to the public health service in the Mid West.
After contacting Health Minister Simon Harris over local concerns that the project was in jeopardy, Deputy Carey said that the Minister has informed him that the letter of approval for the next phase of the 60 bed modular build at UHL will issue from HSE estates today (Friday, March 1).
Approval has been grated to commence and complete enabling works and €2 million is being allocated for the completion of this stage of the project.
“I have raised this issue repeatedly with Minister Harris on the floor of Dáil Éireann and in private meeting with him and his officials. The lack of bed capacity in the Mid West is the fundamental issue which contributes to the large volumes of patients waiting on trolleys at UHL,” Deputy Carey explained.
“Today’s announcement makes this critical project for the Mid West a reality.
“This project is of critical importance to healthcare provision in the mid-west region, servicing counties Clare, Limerick and north Tipperary, as it will improve patient flow throughout the hospital, patient comfort, patient safety, privacy and patient dignity.”
While progress on the 60-bed block is most welcome, it is just one project to increase capacity, with another 96-bed unit also in the planning phase,” he said.
CAPTION: Deputy Joe Carey with Health Minister Simon Harris
