20 bed Rehab Unit for Roscommon Hospital gets go-ahead to progress to design phase — Feighan

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has welcomed the news that a stand-alone specialist 20-bed Rehab Unit planned for Roscommon Hospital has been given approval to progress to the design phase. Deputy Feighan said the news is formal confirmation that this major capital development will be built on the grounds of the hospital.

“The last meeting of the National Capital Steering Committee in Dublin formally agreed to take the Roscommon Rehab Project to the preliminary design stage. Once specific timescales have been set out, necessary preparations will get underway in order to put the design contract for the project out to tender.

“This is fantastic news for Roscommon Hospital which will see the development of a 20-bed specialist rehabilitation unit on a greenfield site on the hospital campus.

“The building will cater for a stand-alone inpatient ward to provide consultant-led rehabilitation services for the whole western region. Along with ward accommodation, the facility will provide therapy spaces, living and social space along with out-patient facilities.

“Due to the range of specialist therapy services to be provided, it’s estimated that once the rehab unit becomes operational, it could create up to 50 jobs – and that is apart from jobs being created during the construction phase.

“The jobs required for the rehab unit will be across a range of disciplines including administration, nursing, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech & language therapists, clinical psychologists, dieticians, chiropodists and varied support services.

“When built, the unit will operate as a satellite centre to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dublin and will operate under its auspices. Currently, there are no dedicated rehab units in the West. This satellite Rehab Unit at Roscommon will relieve pressure on existing services and waiting times in Dún Laoghaire and will also allow patients to be treated in their own community.

“The Rehab project is one of three major capital developments being planned at Roscommon Hospital; the other two are an Endoscopy Unit, which will commence construction before the summer, and a Hospice Care Centre. I am pleased that can use my influence at the highest level to help deliver these major developments for Roscommon.”