New sixteen-bed emergency facility planned at University Hospital Limerick
High hopes rapid-build can be in place in time for next winter surge
PERMISSION is being sought for a new 16-bed ward at University Hospital Limerick.
A planning application has been submitted to Limerick City and County Council for the development, part of a package of measures outlined by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to manage high-demand for emergency care.
The facility is being planned as rapid-build.
To this end, it’s hoped it will be operational in time for the next winter surge in patients in the Emergency Department (ED).
According to the application before council planners, the development will provide 16 single inpatient bedrooms, staff facilities as well as a space for future medical use. Two temporary portacabins will be removed from within the internal courtyard to facilitate the erection of the emergency accommodation unit.
This will comprise of two separate extensions, at two-storeys each.
On top of this, 18 additional car parking spaces are proposed and all associated site works.
The architectural team behind the project say the new emergency accommodation unit must be in a proximity to main hospital building to achieve the best connectivity with the existing emergency department (ED).
“Several potential areas around the hospital complex have been assessed for the best suitability but no location could provide direct connectivity with the ED, It was concluded that the proposed location in the existing courtyard, despite of the challenges, represents the best opportunity to provide a new structure that would be directly connected to ED, and as a result operate the most efficiently from staffing perspective while ensuring patient’s highest possible experience and respecting their privacy and dignity", agents for the developer stated.
Limerick City and County Council are expected to make a decision on the project on or before June 6 next.