UHG extension work to begin in New Year

A new 75-bed extension to University Hospital Galway could start as soon as “next January or February”, according to local Labour Party TD, Derek Nolan.

Deputy Nolan said that the early start of the work on the extension would be very good news for both patients and staff at the hospital.

Last August, the Clinical Director of Hospitals in Galway and Roscommon, Dr David O’Keeffe, announced plans for a €70m extension to the hospital.

He said that the development would consist of single rooms with en suites and would be proceeding as a public/private partnership.

Dr O’Keeffe told The Irish Medical Times at the time that the development would facilitate infection control and improve the dignity of the patients’ stays in hospital.

This week, Deputy Nolan said that the new three storey extension to UHG would be built on the part of the hospital where St Rita’s Ward currently stands.

“I understand that UHG is at a very advanced stage with the new extension and that work could commence as early as January or February next.

“It will go some way towards easing overcrowding and allowing greater flexibility in the hospital’s operation. The new beds will each be in individual rooms with their own bathrooms offering patients excellent facilities and privacy,” said Deputy Nolan.

He said however it was important that the excellent care and expertise given by the nurses and staff in St Rita’s – used for elderly people and stroke sufferers – wouldn’t be lost and that this care and skill-set would be maintained.

“Firstly, it is important that the excellent care and expertise given by nurses and staff in St. Rita’s is not lost and this important skill-set is maintained. Anyone who has visited St. Rita’s knows that the care given is second to none.

“Secondly, it is crucial that capacity is brought on stream elsewhere to manage the temporary reduction in bed numbers. Hospital occupancy is very high, so any reduction in numbers will have an impact. It is my view that Merlin Park should be used to meet that additional need.

“This extension is great news for Galway and must be welcomed. It is now important to manage the period between construction and completion properly,” said Deputy Nolan.

Last evening the HSE couldn’t confirm any start-up date for the project but said that this development had been announced some time back.

According to Dr O’Keeffe in the Medical Times, when cancer services began in Galway, no extra beds were provided to service medical oncology, radiation oncology and haematology.

Since then, Galway had also been designated for the treatment of oesophageal cancer and lung cancer surgery, without any additional beds, he added.

Dr O’Keeffe said that it was important to ensure that there were designated beds and pre-assessment beds for cancer patients at UHG.

“Decisions can then be made on the appropriate place to admit patients, to spare them going through the emergency department,” said Dr O’Keeffe.

He also said at the time that Merlin Park’s capacity to do elective surgeries would increase, particular in relation to endoscopies – internal examinations of organs such as the lung, stomach, bladder and bowl. Orthopaedic elective work would also continue at Merlin Park, said Dr O’Keeffe.