The cost of this 30 bed replacement block at St. Patrick's Hospital, Fermoy, is £2.2 million, including construction costs, fees and equipping. A donation of £300,000 has been made by a local benefactor, leaving a net cost to the Department of £1.9 million.
The mix of beds to be provided in the new unit includes long-stay, respite, convalescent care, rehabilitation and terminal care. The new unit replaces a building which was constructed in 1857 and, although there will be no overall increase in bed numbers, the extra space made available will permit better living conditions for all patients in the hospital, including better sanitation and more day space.