Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1341. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if the new 96-bed block of beds that are being constructed for UHL will be all new beds for the hospital; if not, if some of them be replacement beds; if so, the number of new and replacement beds, respectively; and the net increase in beds as a result. [12132/24]
View answerI am delighted that work commenced on a 96-bed ward block at University Hospital Limerick in September 2022. It is anticipated that the construction phase will be completed by the first Quarter of 2025. Once handed over by the contractors, this first block will need to be equipped and commissioned, and staff trained following the completion of a recruitment campaign.
My Department anticipate that this much-needed additional bed capacity for the HSE Mid-West region will become operational in mid-2025. This first block will add an additional 71 new acute beds to University Hospital Limerick. The remaining 25 new beds will replace existing beds from nightingale wards that require replacement and refurbishment in line with regulatory requirements.
Preparatory works have also commenced for a second 96-bed block.
