60 modular bed unit at UHL given the green light – O’Donnell

Fine Gael Senator Kieran O’Donnell has announced that the 60 modular bed unit at University Hospital Limerick has been given the green light.

Senator O’Donnell has revealed that the HSE has instructed the hospital group to proceed with the development of the 60 modular beds and to get the excavation works underway straight away.

Senator O’Donnell said the unit will take pressure off the Emergency Department at the busy hospital.

“I am delighted to announce that formal approval has been granted and €2million has been made available for work to begin on this project straight away.

“While it is happening slightly later than I would have liked, this is excellent news for staff and patients at the hospital, and the people of Limerick and surrounding areas.

“I have worked tirelessly to ensure this project got underway, raising my concerns with my Fine Gael colleagues the Minister for Health, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Taoiseach himself, stating that we had to get this project underway and that means had to be found to ensure works begin soon.”

Senator O’Donnell continued: “This much-needed unit will help alleviate the pressure on the Emergency Department in University Hospital Limerick in Dooradoyle.

“The project has now been approved and included in the 2019 Capital Plan so there is absolutely no uncertainty about the provision of these 60 beds.

“Now that the money is available, the HSE locally will put in a commencement notice with the Local Authority.

“This has a 14-day notice period, so works can’t commence physically before mid-March but they will commence then.

“I have consistently stated over the last number of weeks that this project was going ahead and I am delighted to share this news today.”

ENDS