Updated: 4:47pm
The Head of the UL Hospitals Group insists they are “on track” to open the new 60-bed block in Dooradoyle this year.
Colette Cowan had been quoted in today’s Irish Examiner as saying that the unit would open in ‘another year’, giving rise to suggestions that it wouldn’t open until 2021, but this afternoon she’s taken to social media to insist it will open before the end of 2020.
A spokesperson for Health Minister Simon Harris has also stated that the project is on track for this year, but one prominent Clare Health Campaigner is among those who’s expressed doubt.
While recruitment is already underway for staff, Barefield Councillor Ann Norton believes it will be challenging to get workers in place.
Statement from UL Hospitals Group
The target timeframe for the opening of 60-bed block at University Hospital Limerick remains Q4 2020. This is the timeframe set out in the HSE National Service Plan 2020 and there has been no change in this regard.
This is an important project for the people of the MidWest and will go some way towards addressing the acknowledged lack of bed capacity in the region. The 60-bed ward block comprises four stories, with three wards of 20 en-suite single rooms over a basement level. The project will also help UL Hospitals Group in addressing its relative lack of isolation facilities. A second 96-bed block for UHL is included in Project Ireland 2040 however this project is some years away from delivery.
