UL Hospital Group clarifies timeline for construction of new 96-bed unit

UL HOSPITAL Group have clarified the timeline for construction of a new 96-bed unit at University Hospital Limerick.

The clarification comes after comments made by Limerick TD Maurice Quinlivan in the Dáil on Thursday.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Quinlivan stated that on Monday, October 23: "130 people were on trolleys in University Hospital Limerick, which was the highest number ever recorded. It was confirmed by the hospital on Morning Ireland that completion of the new 96-bed unit will be delayed for another year, from 2024 to 2025."

"This news is a bitter blow for patients, health professionals and all those working at the hospital. The Government needs to explain why has this much needed bed unit has been delayed again?" he said.

However, UL Hospital Group (ULHG) have since clarified the timescale for completion of the new unit to Clare Live, saying they "have not announced any opening date for the 96-Bed Block currently under construction at UHL."

"Work commenced on the first 96-bed ward block at University Hospital Limerick in September 2022. As outlined from the outset, the construction phase will take at least two years to complete. It is currently envisaged that the construction phase will be complete by Q1 2025," the statement from ULHG read.

They also stressed that once construction was completed, time would be needed to fit out and staff the new unit.

"Once handed over by the contractors, the new build will need to be equipped and commissioned and staff trained following the completion of a recruitment campaign. We anticipate that this much-needed additional bed capacity for the Mid-West will become operational in mid-2025," they said.