MONEY to build the new 96-bed block at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), as well as funds to advance the planning of another such block, are among projects to be announced for the Mid West under the Capital Plan 2025.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD and Minister for Older People Kieran O’Donnell announced details of capital funding for health projects in the HSE Mid West region.
Highlights in HSE Mid West include the ongoing construction of a 96-bed block UHL and advancing planning permission for a second 96-bed block.
The plans also include the construction of a surgical hub for the Mid West area and the provision of a new Limerick ambulance base at Rosbrien.
The extension of the community nursing unit at St Ita’s in Newcastle West and equipping the new outpatient department at Ennis General Hospital (including provision of an X-Ray room and other diagnostics) also feature, along with a dedicated area of the Nenagh Primary Care Centre to accommodate an enhanced community care hub.
Minister O’Donnell said he was “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.”
He said the plan “also facilitates the development of infrastructure to support mental health service delivery and the delivery of more primary care centres and community-based infrastructure to help ensure people can access appropriate care closer to home”.
Limerick Minister of State Niall Collins welcomed the publication of the HSE Capital Plan 2025, which sets out investment spending for this year in healthcare infrastructure, equipment, and furnishing of healthcare facilities.
In 2025, this spending will be €1.357billion.
“Investment in key health infrastructure is absolutely vital for Limerick. It is hugely important that projects, including the new 96-bed block at UHL and St Ita’s Hospital in Newcastle West are delivered this year,” Minister Collins said.
“It is also notable that the report notes that the HSE ‘continues to explore all opportunities to accelerate the provision of in-patient capacity’ in Limerick. No options should be off the table in ensuring that people can get the care they need.
“Next month, HIQA have said they will publish their final report on a second emergency department at UHL,” he added.
“All told, there is a huge amount of investment going into health capital projects and what is needed now is delivery of these projects in full.”
