HOSPITAL DEVELOPMENT GETS GREEN LIGHT FOR AUGUST START
The construction of the 30-bed unit at St Patrick’s Community Hospital in Fermoy is due to commence in the second week of August, after the builders’ holidays, writes Antonia Zane.
“A suitable building contractor has been awarded the contract – details are currently being verified by the HSE: insurance, documentation etc – and the name will be released next week,” John Paul O’Shea, spokesperson for HSE, told The Avondhu this week.
“The tender was only awarded over the past few days and there is €5.8 million allocated to the project,” he continued, which will see the relocation of 30 beds from the upper floors of the existing three-storey building to a new purpose built ground floor accommodation.
Tom Higgins, chairman of St Patrick’s Hospital Fundraising Association welcomed the HSE announcement ‘openly’ and expanded, “All people in Fermoy and in the catchment area will be delighted with the news”, but he continued by saying that the association wanted to get the commitment from HSE in writing.
Fermoy’s Mayor, Tadgh O’Donovan also welcomed the latest development ‘with caution’ as “the HSE has broken many deadlines before” and he concluded that the HSE needed to “identify the contractor to verify that the commitment given” would be respected.
The new accommodation is due to open in late 2009 or early 2010 according to Mr. O’Shea. It will provide a mix of 4-bedded, 2-bedded and single bedrooms and it will also include a treatment unit, a day room, a relative’s room and a quiet room and other associated accommodation.
Published:
Thursday 10th July 6:23pm
