Work to start on refurbishing old Grove Hospital

Work is expected to commence in the New Year on the redevelopment of the old Grove Hospital in Tuam as it is expected to reopen its doors 25 years on from its closure.

Earlier this year work commenced on a new primary care centre on the hospital site as part of a multi-million investment but it has been confirmed that the old building itself will be transformed into a mental health day centre.

It will mean that the hospital, which was once ran by the Bon Secours sisters, will be transformed into a one-stop shop for health care in Tuam.

The new mental health day facility will cater for patients from Tuam, Loughrea and Athenry. But it could have long term implications for the future of Toghermore House which was threatened with closure two years ago over fire safety issues.

Minister Sean Canney told The Connacht Tribune that works will commence in the New Year once planning permission has been obtained. He described it as an exciting development.

Minister Canney said that this represents a €3.5 million investment in the building and he added that it will be used to improve mental health services in the area. It represents a €2.5 million investment.

It was a source of controversy during 2016 when thousands of euros were spend on the reroofing of the old hospital which closed down in 2001. It was described as a pure waste of money at the time

But, in a statement, the HSE West indicated that the old hospital would be refurbished into a mental health day facility. It also might be used as a facility for young people suffering from disabilities.

The old hospital in Tuam was closed down in 2001 when the Bon Secours sisters moved out as they had operated the facility for a considerable time.

A refurbishment programme will take place at the old hospital to facilitate the mental health day centre and the reroofing of the building was part of this process.

The HSE said that they will shortly appoint a design team as well as applying for planning permission. They will then tender for a contractor subject to planning being granted.

The HSE said that they anticipate a twelve-month construction period and it is intended that the old hospital building will be ready to treat mental health patients around the middle of 2017.

“It is a hugely significant building in the town and its rejuvenation is very good news indeed. Along with the full time staff, the footfall it will generate in the centre of the town will be a welcome boost.

“This is a welcome addition to the services within the town. While some criticised the recent re-roofing of the building as a waste of money, it was important that buildings like the Grove are always maintained for potential use,” Minister Canney added.