Update issued on planned new neo-natal unit at Limerick maternity hospital

A NEW neo-natal unit at the University Maternity Hospital is expected to be complete this year, the Government has announced.

In an update on the capital plan, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, and local TD Kieran O’Donnell, a Minister of State for older people, have given an overview on various projects in Limerick and nationally.

An extension to St Ita’s Hospital in Newcastle West is also expected to be ready by later this year.

And, it is hoped construction of a new primary care centre at St Joseph’s Hospital campus in the city could also get under way.

The much-anticipated 96-bed block at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) is undergoing construction, with work on a second building also kicking off.

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The building of a second block is at detailed design stage.

Construction of a new blood science and pathology facility is also under way in Dooradoyle, it is stated in the Government’s capital plan.

And in the courtyard at UHL, building of a new 16-bed emergency ward is under way.

Also on the cards in Dooradoyle, and at detailed design stage, is a new three-storey building linked to the existing cancer services outpatient day ward.

In readiness for the new neo-natal unit at the Ennis Road hospital, staff have been relocated into a temporary unit.

As for the long-awaited relocation of the maternity hospital to the grounds of UHL, the HSE says this is at “appraisal” stage.

Elsewhere, a building contractor is being sought for a new surgical hub at the former Scoil Carmel at O’Connell Avenue in the city centre after the development secured planning permission last year.

It is hoped that this will take the pressure off UHL by serving patients with scheduled surgeries.

A construction company is being sought by the HSE to deliver a new ambulance base at Rosbrien, to replace the existing facility opposite UHL.

And a 75-bed unit at St Camillus’s Hospital at Shelbourne Road on the city’s northside for older people is being refurbished and replaced.

In a similar vein, the refurbishment and extension of a community nursing unit for older people at St Ita’s in Newcastle West is ongoing and expected to be ready later this year.

It will bring 12 new beds, and the upgrade of eight existing sleeping spaces.

HSE bosses are also looking to purchase outright an office building in Mungret Street near the Limerick Milk Market.

This is currently used to support people experiencing drug and alcohol addiction, as well as aiding in the health of members of the Traveller community.

In Pallasgreen, three units will be built as part of the HSE’s ‘decongregation strategy’.

This is aimed at moving disabled people from congregated settings to homes in the community.

Another complex for similar use is to be established at Lisnagry.

And the HSE wants to buy an existing building at Grove Island in the city.

This is currently being rented by the Brothers of Charity and in use as a disability adult day centre.

Mr O’Donnell said: “I welcome the publication of the HSE capital plan which highlights a significant investment in our healthcare infrastructure. I am pleased to see a number of projects coming to fruition in the Mid West region this year. Public investment in capital projects ensures the best quality environments for our older people.”

Ms Carroll MacNeill added: “The HSE Capital Plan sets out the priorities for investment in 2025 in order to deliver a better, more sustainable health service for everyone. “A significant number of projects have been funded across the Mid West region, delivering the appropriate infrastructure that will enable us to deliver quality services to people closer to home.”