Developer offers alternative to HSE's proposed new hospital in Limerick
Company believes it can deliver hospital in Moyross within five years
THE company behind a major development in the Moyross area of Limerick city has made a bid to the HSE to build a new 300-bed hospital, which it believes can be delivered in as little as five years.
Whitebox is seeking to enter talks with the health service to deliver a privately-developed publicly-operated hospital.
They believe it can be delivered faster than the State’s existing plans for a new hospital in Raheen.
The proposed hospital on the edge of the northside estate would tower up seven-storeys and cover 21,500 square metres.
The plans were revealed to councillors this week by executives of the firm, with managing director Martin White saying its proposals offer a “unique opportunity”, adding its development will also feature houses, and other health facilities to complement any hospital build.
However, the HSE has already spent €14m acquiring a 43-acre site in Raheen to expand its hospital and health services beyond University Hospital Limerick (UHL) in Dooradoyle.
An expert group is currently deliberating over what facilities could be located on the site, with Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill previously saying there is a “blank page” in terms of development.
She even indicated that a second model four hospital – which would treat the most serious conditions – could be built within striking distance of UHL - currently the only major acute facility in the region.
The acquisition of the Raheen site came as a result of the Hiqa report, which made recommendations following concerns about overcrowding and patient safety at UHL.
Whitebox is already developing a cancer care centre and a nursing home as part of its Ballygrennan development in Moyross.
In a proposal put forward to the HSE, the firm is also planning a 12,000 square metre maternity hospital and surgical hub to complete a dedicated health quarter.
Limerick Live understands that the company remains open to adopting its plan according to the HSE’s needs.
It’s understood in any talks with the Department of Health and the HSE, Whitebox bosses will emphasise the speed of their development.
Sources have indicated that they believe the site – Autumnfields – could be developed as a hospital within five to seven years, given the land in Moyross is already prepared for connection with essential infrastructure and water utilities.
Mr White said: “We have a hospital site already embedded within an active regeneration programme, with the first element of that hospital site, the oncology day unit [the cancer centre], already nearing completion. This is supported by transport infrastructure, integrated healthcare facilities, housing for healthcare workers and substantial private investment.”